MAKATI CITY – The Philippine Expo 2025 in May this year provided the unique opportunity for coffee farmers in Mindanao’s southwestern-most island provinces of Sulu and Basilan, their inaugural experience at a national-level event. The direct exposure significantly boosted their motivation to further enhance the quality of their coffee, believing they too can participate in the future competition said Mr. Ibrahim from LABRECO of Basilan, as he looked at it as a determined challenge. He said they will not just participate but aim to win the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition for the Excelsa category. Similarly, Mr. Ronnie, a coffee farmer from Sulu, said the experience gave him profound hope to improve his coffee farm, and inspire more farmers to establish coffee farms in his barangay, Kabbon Takas. He hoped to renew the reputation of his barangay as a renowned home for excellent coffee after the place was abandoned due to decades-old conflict.
The expo held on May 9-11 at One Ayala Makati served as a dynamic platform to showcase specialty coffee, share vital knowledge and insights, celebrate coffee culture, and propel industry growth through collaborative efforts, according to the organizers. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Philippine Coffee Guild. Some 21 coffee farmers, traders, cooperatives, local government units attended the expo as organized by MARADECA and People in Need (PIN) staff to get them the exposure to improve production of quality coffee, expand experiences and networks of the coffee stakeholders in Basilan and Sulu. Attendees from Mindanao also included those from BAEP-LEAP Program, a program funded by European Union, implemented by the (PIN), MARADECA, and United Youth of the Philippine (UNYPhil-Women).
This year, the coffee sector saw the record-breaking green coffee sales, with prices soaring to P9,900 per kilo. Industry insights were shared through diverse sessions such as “Kape at Kwentuhan”, coffee exhibition, business matching opportunities, product demonstrations, roaster producer forum, cupping room, and pop-up cafes. The event also welcome international specialty guest exhibitors, guild barista and roasting competitions.