𝟵𝗧𝗛 𝗟𝗧 𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘 𝗙𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗞𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗦𝗢𝗙𝗙, 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗜𝗙𝗬 𝗦𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗙𝗨𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗕𝗜𝗖𝗔

La Trinidad’s premium Arabica beans took center stage during this year’s opening program of the 9th Coffee Festival with the theme, “Seng-ew ni Kape, Ulnos ni Umidi (Brewing Unity Through Coffee)” at the municipal grounds last February 18.

Mayor Roderick Awingan, alongside Mayor Yoshito Arisaka of Minamimaki, Japan, and leaders of the provincial government and partner agencies, led the ceremonial ribbon-cutting to kick off the celebration.

To set the tone, Vice Mayor Guiller Galwan underscored the essence of coffee as our local legacy during his opening message.

“Today, we celebrate more than just a crop; we are honoring our heritage, as it represents the hard work of our farmers and the soul of our community,” he added.

In support of this, Municipal Agriculturist Nida Organo shed light on the current coffee industry, stressing two bitter truths our farmers face: an ageing population and the relentless threat of coffee berry borers infestations.

Benguet Provincial Governor Melchor Diclas and Vice Governor Marie Rose Fongwan-Kepes echoed this sentiment, who stood in solidarity as advocates for not only coffee producers but all those involved in the “bean cycle”.

Furthermore, the eight major partner agencies of the local government of La Trinidad shared initiatives and programs that support local coffee farmers.

They are as follows:

1. Department of Agriculture-CAR (Leisley Deligen, OIC Field Operations Division Chief)

-Benguet has 845 registered coffee farmers with a total of 85 hectares of production area

-Sustained crop, pest and disease management

-Capability Development Interventions for farmers

-Provision of coffee equipment worth ₱1.8M to LATACPA

2. Benguet State University (Dr. Kenneth Laruan, President)

• Research and Extension Centers that are always open for assistance:

  • Agri-based Technology Business Incubator/Innovation Center (ATBI/IC)

  • Cordillera Center for Animal Research and Development (CCARD)

  • Cordillera Organic Agriculture Research and Development Center (COARDC)

  • Cordillera Regional Apiculture Center (CRAC)

  • Climate-Smart Agriculture Center (CSAC)

  • Food Science Research and Innovation Center (FSRIC)

  • Center for Geoinformatics (GIS)

  • Center for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI)

  • Horticultural Research and Training Institute (HORTI)

  • Institute of Social Research and Development (ISRI)

  • Institute of Highland Farming Systems and Agroforestry (IHFSA)

  • Northern Philippines Root Crops Research and Training Center

3. Provincial Agriculture Office (Delinia Juan, Provincial Agriculturist)

• Constant push for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)

4. Department of Trade and Industry-CAR (Jessie Cris Laboy, Representative)

• The agency’s four primary programs:

  • Negosyo Center

  • One Town, One Product - marketing development

  • Industry Cluster Enhancement Program

  • Shared Service Facility (Three in La Trinidad- LATACPA, IHFSA, LGU)

5. Department of Tourism-CAR (Jovita Ganongan, Regional Director)

• -Farm Tourism Strategic Action Plan for 2026-2031, which aims to utilize farms as tourist spots and provide farmers with the necessary training

  
  

6. Department of Science and Technology-CAR (Patricia Anne Suerte-Felipe, Representative)

• Research and development

• Laboratory testing

• Packaging and labelling assistance

• Process optimization

  
  

7. Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-CAR (Arlene Cadalig, Acting Provincial Director)

• Continuous investment in human capital through training programs and scholarship opportunities

8. Society for Cooperation in International Development Philippines (Philip Felipe, Representative)

• Integration of Organic Agricultural Practices

• Strengthen relationships between cooperatives and associations

Despite their varying mandates and agendas, all organizations have pointed out the importance of the youth in continuing the community’s legacy.

As the average age of a farmer is 55, it is both a challenge and a responsibility for both generations to bridge the gap.

In closing, Rodyio Tacdoy, winner of the 2025 Philippine Coffee Quality Competition, recounted his journey in the industry.

“Coffee is a difficult crop to tend to because it goes through such an extensive process. It requires patience in each step. In the past year or so, I have learned more about coffee grading, quality control, and even the difference between specialty and commercial. Thus, before drinking your next mug, I hope we stop to remember and appreciate the hard work of each role in the supply chain.”

Author: 𝘙𝘙. 𝘉𝘢𝘣𝘴𝘢-𝘢𝘺

Original Post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18JroskhXk/