In a world where farmlands are shrinking and farmers often struggle to make ends meet, two college programs are planting seeds of hope—not just in the soil, but in the hearts of students and communities alike. The IC-Integrated Agribusiness Learning and Enterprise Development Program (IC-IALEDP) of Immaculate Conception I-College is steadily flourishing, thanks to its strong partnership with Talbak Fruits and Coffee Growers, Inc.
Agriculture at a Crossroads
Central Luzon’s farmlands are facing a tough reality. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the region’s non-rice crop production dropped by 7.8% between 2023 and 2024, with sugarcane and industrial crops taking the hardest hit. Coffee production remains especially vulnerable: the Philippines produces only about 25,000 metric tons a year, far short of the 170,000 metric tons demanded by coffee-loving Filipinos.
Add to this the challenge of land conversion in Bulacan, where urban expansion continues to eat up fertile land, and it’s easy to see why farming communities are fighting an uphill battle.
But in the face of these challenges, education and innovation are stepping in.
When Classrooms Meet Farmlands
IC-IALEDP was created with a dual mission: give students hands-on experience in agribusiness while supporting local farmers who struggle with sustainability and market access.
At “i-cafe,” the student-managed coffee shop on campus, learners in the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management (CTHM) don’t just serve lattes—they grow the beans, harvest them, roast them, grind them, and brew them. Every cup tells the story of their journey from farm to table.
Meanwhile, Entrepreneurship students turn crops into business opportunities. They market products online, manage customer engagement, and handle finances—simulating the realities of running a modern agribusiness. For both groups, the farm is no longer an abstract idea—it’s a living, breathing classroom.
The Talbak Coffee Story
The heartbeat of the program is its partnership with Talbak Fruits and Coffee Growers Inc. Once based in Cavite, the cooperative relocated to Talbak, Doña Remedios Trinidad (DRT), Bulacan, bringing new life to farmlands that had been abandoned due to financial struggles.
Today, Talbak thrives as one of the few agricultural pioneers left in the area. They cultivate Liberica and Robusta coffee, alongside bananas, rambutan, peppermint, and vegetables—always with sustainability and tradition at their core.
Coffee cherries are carefully sun-dried, preserving beans for up to two years without losing their signature flavor. Their distinct taste has earned them spots in coffee competitions and even the attention of global giant Nestlé, proving that smallholder farmers can meet large-scale demands when given the chance.
More Than Farming—A Shared Mission
The collaboration goes beyond crops and cafés. Students don’t just study agriculture; they listen to the wisdom of farmers, learn about the struggles of rural life, and witness the resilience it takes to keep a community alive. In return, they bring fresh energy, ideas, and marketing strategies to the cooperative.
It’s a cycle of learning and giving back—farmers mentor students, and students help farmers thrive in a rapidly changing economy.
Brewing a Better Tomorrow
ICI-College envisions producing graduates who are not only skilled professionals but also socially responsible leaders. Through IC-IALEDP, students are trained to embrace sustainability, resilience, and innovation—values that extend far beyond the classroom.
With Talbak Fruits Coffee Growers, Inc. as its steadfast partner, the program proves one simple truth: education doesn’t just happen within four walls. It grows in the fields, it thrives in partnerships, and it leaves a legacy—one that benefits both students and the farming communities they serve.
