21-22 September 2024, Davao City, Philippines. The Davao Regional Coffee Expo 2024 (DRCE24) welcomed local coffee farmers, industry leaders, and enthusiasts, marking a pivotal moment in Region 11’s rise as one of the Philippines’ top Arabica coffee producers. Organized by the Davao Regional Coffee Council, the expo, held in the heart of Davao City, brought together key players in the coffee sector to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and strategize on improving the quality and competitiveness of the region’s coffee products. In her opening remarks, Ms. Felicitas “Joji” Pantoja, President of the Davao Regional Coffee Council and Chair & President of Coffee for Peace, Inc., emphasized the vital role coffee plays in the local economy. She called for continued efforts to elevate production standards, aligning them with global demand.
Region 11: A Coffee Powerhouse
Region 11, known for its rich coffee-growing lands and hardworking farmers, has consistently ranked among the top 12 producers of Arabica coffee in the Philippines over the past six years. The region’s dedication to producing high-quality coffee has been rewarded with national recognition, particularly in the recently concluded Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC).
In this year’s PCQC, the competition attracted a total of 154 entries: 50 Arabica, 102 Robusta, and 2 Excelsa coffee varieties. The results showcased the strength of the region’s coffee sector:
- Arabica: 38 out of 50 entries were classified as specialty coffee, 6 as premium, and 6 as non-specialty.
- Robusta: 79 out of 102 entries achieved specialty status, 7 were classified as premium, 15 as commercial, with 1 disqualified.
- Excelsa: 1 entry each qualified as specialty and premium.
This performance is a testament to the commitment and perseverance of Region 11’s coffee farmers, many of whom have dedicated their lives to perfecting their craft despite the challenges posed by fluctuating market conditions and climate-related concerns.
Empowering Farmers through Education and Collaboration
The Davao Regional Coffee Expo is more than just an exhibition; it’s an educational experience aimed at equipping local farmers with the knowledge they need to produce differentiated coffee products that meet the highest standards of specialty, premium, and commercial coffee. Over the two-day event, more than 120 farmers—each sponsored at ₱4500 to cover meals and participation fees—are attending sessions on topics ranging from green bean grading to setting up their own roastery businesses.
The keynote speech, delivered by Mr. Macario D. Gonzaga, Regional Executive Director of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 11, reinforced the government’s commitment to supporting coffee farmers through agricultural programs and financial assistance. His message underscored the importance of sustainability in coffee production, urging farmers to adopt best practices that enhance both quality and resilience.
A Day Packed with Learning and Inspiration
On the first day of the Expo, attendees participated in a variety of educational sessions. Dr. Mel Garcia of De La Salle University led a discussion on building academic programs to support the provincial and regional coffee sectors, while experts from Curve Collaborators, Pax Pichon Nalugon, and Eljean Dagohoy shared insights on the science of quality coffee processing.
Hands-on workshops included green bean grading and coffee sensory analysis led by Dr. John Paul L. Matuguinas of DA Region 11. The day also featured practical sessions such as “Setting Up Your Own Roastery” by Mr. Arnel F. Cadeliña of Tay Roming Coffee Roasters, and the latest brewing techniques by Ms. Gina Ellorango Ableitinger of Kaffe Arena.
One of the most anticipated segments was the presentation on “How and Where to Start a Coffee Cart or Pop-Up,” led by Mr. John Rhey “Biboy” Plaza of Kapeweñoz Specialty Coffee. His entrepreneurial insights drew interest from farmers looking to diversify their income through innovative retail strategies.
Day 2: Advancing the Coffee Industry and Celebrating Success
The second day of the Expo continued with impactful sessions, starting with Mr. Donnel Jun M. Tiedra of Nestlé Philippines, who spoke on the Nescafé Plan and its vision to improve the lives of coffee farmers. A lively discussion followed with Ian Asilo of McRia Farm and Marivic Dubria of Dubria Farm, addressing the practical question: “Is there money in coffee farming?” Their shared experiences in profitability and sustainability provided valuable insights for attendees.
The afternoon featured testimonials from coffee winners in the PCQC, representatives from Bacon Coop, and a discussion on regenerative agriculture as a pathway to resilience in the coffee industry. The product presentations from event sponsors gave attendees a glimpse into the latest coffee technologies and innovations that could elevate their businesses.
The event concluded with a series of friendly competitions showcasing the skills of local baristas and coffee enthusiasts. The mixology competition, Robusta brewing competition, and latte art competition provided exciting opportunities for participants to demonstrate their expertise, with the winners earning recognition for their creativity and craftsmanship.
A Promising Future for Region 11 Coffee
As the Expo came to a close, Ms. Felicitas “Joji” Pantoja and Shosi Mari S. Larido led the closing remarks, expressing gratitude to all participants, partners, and sponsors. They also extended an invitation for next year’s Expo, encouraging the community to continue pushing the boundaries of excellence in the coffee industry.
The Davao Regional Coffee Expo 2024 not only celebrates the success of Region 11’s coffee industry but also serves as a platform to propel it into a more sustainable and profitable future. With continued collaboration and innovation, Davao is set to solidify its place as one of the premier coffee-producing regions in the Philippines.
