The Department of Agriculture 11 (DA 11) is pushing to raise the value of the Davao Region’s coffee industry by strengthening opportunities for farmers and enterprises in the specialty coffee market.
The agency made the call during the Regional Coffee Expo (RCE) 2026 held October 1 to 3 in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro, as part of the observance of International Coffee Day.
With the theme “Brewing a Golden Future from Farm to Community,” the event brought together coffee farmers, cooperatives, processors, entrepreneurs, government agencies, local government units and industry partners to discuss opportunities across the coffee value chain.
Representing DA Undersecretary for Special Concerns and Official Development Assistance Jerome Oliveros, DA 11 Regional Executive Director Macario Gonzaga said the region has the producers, resources, institutions and expertise needed to develop coffee products with higher market value.
“Behind every cup of coffee is a farmer, a family, an enterprise, and a community,” Gonzaga said.
He said the growth of the industry should not be measured solely by production volume but also by the economic value generated for farmers and communities.
Gonzaga emphasized the need to strengthen the industry starting at the farm while creating better opportunities for growers, processors, entrepreneurs and other players along the value chain.
He pointed to 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 compete through quality, innovation and specialty products.
The region’s performance in the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC) 2026 also highlighted the potential of its coffee growers.
In the Arabica category, Roxanne Abegail Naya of Bansalan, Davao del Sur placed second with a score of 85.61. Lendilou Loon-Morris, also from Bansalan, ranked sixth with 84.25, while Janet Escalera of Davao del Sur placed seventh with 84.07.
The results demonstrated the ability of Davao growers to produce quality coffee that can compete in specialty and other higher-value markets.
Provincial Coffee Association of Davao de Oro (PCOFADDO) president Arcadio Sabella, meanwhile, described the province’s coffee industry as “reviving and alive,” citing its potential for specialty Arabica production.
Davao de Oro Governor Raul Mabanglo said the province’s favorable conditions and growing coffee culture could help sustain the industry.
“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,” Mabanglo said.
The three-day expo featured discussions on developments and opportunities across the coffee value chain, including the NESCAFÉ Plan’s shared-value approach, the export potential of Philippine coffee and government programs supporting the industry.
It also provided producers and other stakeholders an opportunity to showcase coffee products and innovations, exchange technical knowledge and explore potential markets.
DA 11 said stronger linkages among stakeholders remain crucial as the region works toward a more competitive and sustainable coffee industry.
As Davao-grown coffee gains recognition in quality competitions and specialty markets, the agency is encouraging the industry to move beyond production growth and focus on generating greater economic value for farmers, enterprises and communities.
The RCE 2026 forms part of this effort, positioning coffee not only as an agricultural commodity but also as a potential driver of enterprise development and community livelihoods in the Davao Region.
