Tadian, Mountain Province & Bauko, Mountain Province โ In a significant stride towards producing locally sourced and processed tea for Mountain Province, the Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSU) Wild Tea Project, funded by DOST-PCAARRD (FERD), successfully conducted a two-day training program focused on tea processing. The initiative unfolded across two locations: lectures were held at the MPSU Tadian Campus in Tadian on April 24, 2025, followed by practical demonstrations and hands-on activities at the CVSD โ Research, Extension and Development Complex in Bauko on April 25, 2025.
The training was attended by most of the members of the MPSU Wild Tea Project team, with Dr. Lichelyn M. Nasungan leading the team, accompanied by the project team members Dr. Julie P. Garsi, Dr. Alexander T. Baldic, Dr. Joyce D. Cuyangoan, Dr. Brent Joseph B. Bangao, and Mr. Rolando M. Tawanna, Jr. Along with the project team members are project staff Ms.Vivian Moc-eng, Mr. Cougar Bilayon, and Mr. Ary Agnaya. faculty members and students from the School of Agriculture and Forestry (SAF) also attended the training.
Dr. Lichelyn M. Nasungan provided an insightful overview of the training, stressing its crucial role in opening the economic potential of the identified wild tea plants while emphasizing their preservation and protection in the wild.
On the other hand, the universityโs commitment to this endeavor was underscored by Mr. Reynaldo P. Gayo, Jr., the Vice President for Administration and Finance, who delivered the message of the University President Dr. Edgar G. Cue, emphasizing the profound connection between wild tea plants and the rich Cordilleran culture and biodiversity.
Mr. Rolando M. Tawanna, Jr., introduced the distinguished resource speaker and trainer of the event, highlighting his remarkable journey in establishing a pioneering tea company in the Philippines.
After his introduction, Mr. Ralph Paulo M. Tan, the esteemed founder and CEO of Jacobโs Well Chai, capably led the program.
For the first day at Tadian Campus, discussions led by Mr. Ralph Tan and his wife, Dr. Athena Tan, centered on the inspiring story behind the establishment of Jacobโs Well Chai in relation to tea processing, an introduction to the tea plant (Camelia sinensis) and other plants used as tea, various processing methods for tea plants, and an engaging activity focused on crafting compelling pitches for tea product development.
Moving to the second day of the training conducted at the CVSD-RED Complex in Bauko, the participants engaged in practical, hands-on learning. Mr. Ralph Tan led a demonstration of tea ceremonies, offering a deeper appreciation for the art and tradition of tea. In the second session, Mr. Rolando Tawanna, Jr., guided a sensory evaluation of the initially processed tea, followed by a thorough discussion and synthesis of the evaluation results with the aid of Mr. Ralph Tan. During the closing activity, a session was provided for the students and faculty from the SAF to share their valuable insights from the training.
The training culminated with closing remarks given by Mr. Rolando Tawanna, Jr., who expressed hopes for a continued partnership with Mr. Tan in the research and development of wild tea plants and their market potentials and for using the Wild Tea Project as a steppingstone for the universityโs continued initiatives in exploring tea. This successful training underscores MPSU’s dedication to exploring the potential of local resources and opportunities to empower communities through knowledge and skills development in sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship.#
Wild Tea Project Team
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