A groundbreaking facility that turns mulberry leaves into high-value tea is now operational inside Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU) in Magalang, marking the first mulberry tea processing plant in the Philippines. The project is a tripartite collaboration between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japanese firm Kuwanosato, Inc., and PSAU, aimed at boosting local livelihoods, promoting healthier lifestyles, and targeting export markets including Japan.
Equipped with Japanese technology, the factory can process approximately 500 kilograms of raw mulberry leaves in eight hours, yielding around 100 kilograms of finished mulberry tea . JICA Chief Representative Sakamoto Takema emphasized during the inauguration that the project is "important in agro-industry development, jobs creation, and income generation," adding that it also contributes to meeting the growing demand of Filipino consumers for healthier lifestyles.
From Pilot Farms to Commercial Production Across Pampanga
The project currently pilots mulberry cultivation techniques with three model farms in Pampanga that supply mulberry leaves to the facility . These farms utilize the non-fruiting Batac mulberry variety, which yields high-quality, nutrient-dense leaves ideal for commercial production. To consistently meet factory demands, PSAU is actively expanding raw material sourcing beyond university grounds, establishing partnerships with local farming cooperatives in areas like Santa Ana, Bacolor, and Arayat.
The initiative provides farmers with an opportunity for higher agricultural income while introducing innovative farming practices to the province. Kuwanosato and PSAU hope to sustainably commercialize mulberry tea products from Pampanga that will cater to both local and export demands, including Japan, with the project setting a production target of 40 tons of mulberry leaf tea within five years and 400 tons within ten years.
Health Benefits and Economic Impact for Local Communities
Mulberry tea is a well-known natural and caffeine-free drink praised for its nutritional content. Scientific research has documented mulberry leaf tea's beneficial effects in combating metabolic diseases, including its ability to reduce inflammation, aid in weight loss, lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and potentially help manage non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Beyond health benefits, the project creates meaningful economic opportunities for Pampanga. PSAU President Anita David expressed the university's gratitude to JICA for paving the way for the "big dream" of Kuwanosato and PSAU through the mulberry tea factory project . At full scale, the project aims to expand mulberry cultivation to 100 hectares across Pampanga, benefiting approximately 200 farming families and generating significant employment in tea processing, with projected annual income increases for participating farmers reaching millions of pesos.
