The Davao Region is positioning its coffee sector for greater participation in the Philippine specialty coffee market as the Department of Agriculture 11 (DA 11) pushes for stronger value creation from farm production to community enterprise.
The call was made during the Regional Coffee Expo (RCE) 2026 in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro on October 1 to 3, 2026, held in observance of International Coffee Day and themed “Brewing a Golden Future from Farm to Community.”
Representing DA Undersecretary for Special Concerns and Official Development Assistance Jerome Oliveros, DA 11 Regional Executive Director Macario Gonzaga said the region has the resources, producers, institutions and expertise needed to develop coffee with greater market value.
“Behind every cup of coffee is a farmer, a family, an enterprise, and a community,” Gonzaga said.
Gonzaga stressed that the industry’s progress should be measured not only by production volume but also by the value generated for farmers and communities.
Gonzaga said strengthening the industry must begin at the farm while improving opportunities for farmers, processors, entrepreneurs and communities along the coffee value chain.
He cited the growing recognition of Davao-grown coffee, including Geisha coffee produced by Acu Farm in Kapatagan, Davao del Sur, as an example of how local producers can pursue quality, innovation and specialty markets.
The recognition of Davao producers in the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC) 2026 further highlighted the region’s potential.
Under the Arabica category, Roxanne Abegail Naya of Bansalan, Davao del Sur placed second with a score of 85.61. Lendilou Loon-Morris of the same municipality placed sixth with 84.25, while Janet Escalera of Davao del Sur ranked seventh with 84.07.
The results underscore the capacity of local growers to produce coffee that can compete in quality-driven and higher-value markets.
Provincial Coffee Association of Davao de Oro (PCOFADDO) president Arcadio Sabella described the province’s coffee industry as “reviving and alive,” pointing to its potential for specialty Arabica production.
“Coffee has a strong and growing demand, and here in Nabunturan, we are proud to have people who truly appreciate and enjoy coffee. With our favorable conditions for coffee production, the industry continues to grow and thrive, creating opportunities for our farmers and communities,” Davao de Oro Governor Raul Mabanglo said.
The three-day RCE 2026 brought together coffee farmers, cooperatives, entrepreneurs, processors, government agencies, local government units and industry partners.
Discussions during the expo covered developments and opportunities across the coffee value chain, including the NESCAFÉ Plan approach to creating shared value in coffee, the export potential of Philippine coffee and government programs supporting the industry.
The expo also provided a venue for producers and industry stakeholders to showcase coffee products and innovations, exchange technical knowledge and explore market opportunities.
DA 11 said strengthening linkages across the coffee value chain remains important as the region seeks to build a more competitive and sustainable coffee industry.
With Davao producers gaining recognition in quality competitions and specialty coffee gaining attention, the agency is promoting an approach that goes beyond increasing production to creating greater economic value for farmers and communities.
According to DA 11, the RCE 2026 serves as part of that effort, highlighting coffee not only as an agricultural commodity but also as a potential driver of enterprise development and community livelihood in the region.
