Sweet Roots of Negros

 

Muscovado sugar, once a staple in the sugar-producing island of Negros, is experiencing a flavorful renaissance. Traditionally prized for its rich molasses flavor and minimal processing, muscovado played a vital role in Filipino kitchens and economies long before refined white sugar took over. As industrialization pushed it to the side, it remained a quiet symbol of heritage—one that’s now regaining prominence amid a global appetite for slow food, authenticity, and artisanal products.

In the heart of La Carlota, Negros Occidental is Esperanza’s Best, a thriving sugar-making enterprise that proves innovation and resilience can transform traditional agriculture. 

Founded in 2023, the cooperative emerged from a shared commitment to sustainability and community empowerment. Choosing to focus on muscovado sugar, they saw not only a more profitable and adaptable market, but also an opportunity to champion a healthier, homegrow
n alternative to refined sugar. More than just a product, muscovado reflects their deeper mission: “Our product is truly ours.”

Farmers processing the freshly-harvested sugarcane.

Producing muscovado is no simple task. Hacienda Esperanza Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association (HECARBA) manages 30 hectares of communal sugarcane fields and produces 100 to 150 kilos of muscovado daily. Originally owned by a prominent family on the island, this land was issued a Land Ownership Award (LOA) in 1999 and formally handed over to the farmers in 2003, thanks to the support of NGOs and the persistent efforts of the beneficiaries. 

Today, their production facility is a product of collaboration: the building is government-owned, while essential equipment and furnishings were provided by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). The capital used to sustain operations is drawn from the organization’s communal budget, and raw materials are secured and funded internally. Likewise, the Technology and Livelihood Development Center (TLDC) of the province helps them with the packaging and marketing of their products.

The cooperative, led by Board Chairman Angelito Estama, has built a self-sufficient system that not only inspires but also sustains livelihoods among the farmer-members. By creating jobs within their locality, the workers no longer have to leave their families in search of employment—they can stay right where their roots are.

HECARBA community - the farmers behind Esperanza’s Best products.

Esperanza’s Best has proudly represented their products for two consecutive years at the Panaad Festival, a yearly agro-industrial trade fair held in Bacolod City, where the various towns and cities of Negros Occidental unite for a vibrant week-long summer celebration of culture, commerce, and community. Through exposures like this, they were able to gain customers nationwide and abroad. 

Esperanza’s Best Products.

Esperanza’s Best products may be bought at La Carlota’s Tourism Office, PESO La Carlota, and TLDC in Bacolod City. As they continue to refine production, expand distribution, and reach more consumers, this community stands as a compelling example of how farmers can recover their industry, cultivate sustainability, and reshape the legacy of Negros' sugar economy.

Today, muscovado is more than just a nostalgic nod to the past; it’s a proudly reclaimed treasure. Beyond sweetening morning coffee, it now stars in cakes, sauces, confections, and even local delicacies reimagined for modern palates. This resurgence not only supports local farmers and artisanal producers, but also breathes new life into the rich culinary traditions of Negros, making every grain a link between history and a thriving food culture.  

Article by: Leezo Dionzon

Photos by: Paolo Correa / Joselito Estama