The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 2 convened the Cagayan Valley Coffee Industry Development Council, laying down the vision to be one of the leading coffee regions in the country.
DTI-Region 2 led the Cagayan Valley Coffee Industry Development Council meeting held on 16 February 2021 to provide industry updates and identify support interventions for 2021 to support the region’s goal of becoming a significant player in the national coffee scene.
“Tara na’t magkape at magkapera!” acclaimed Quirino Provincial Director Ma. Sofia G. Narag in her message, as she encouraged more coffee farmers to expand their production. She also emphasized that the goals of the coffee cluster in Region 2 are not far-fetched as long as all agencies and are working hand-in-hand.
This was supported by DTI Regional Director Leah Pulido Ocampo, who said that the presence of all partners from the government and private sector is a good indication that the sector is assured of all the support it needs to grow and develop sustainably.
“Our dream to make a mark in the national coffee scene someday is certainly achievable if we continue to work together in the same direction,” she added.
Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Executive Director Narciso Edillo’s message highlighted that DA and DTI have been partnering to improve the quality of coffee and bring the region’s stakeholders to the next level.
Moreover, Ms. Carol Albay, Regional Focal Person of High-Value Crop Development Program (HVCDP) said that their agency is committed to improving productivity and quality of coffee through fertilization, solar-powered irrigation support system, and provision of planting materials.
Participation in the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC) was also discussed to encourage more participants. In 2020, out of five entries of the region, three were classified as premium coffee and one as specialty coffee.
Finally, the importance of aligning farm operations with Good Agricultural Practices for coffee was emphasized during the activity. DTI-Region 2 expressed its commitment to help advocate these standards to coffee stakeholders in the region.
The said webinar was also attended by Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Fanibeth Domingo, Cagayan State University (CSU)-Lasam CEO Dr. Florante Balatico, Chairman of Cagayan Valley Coffee Industry Development Council Juliet Morales, Quirino State University (QSU) President Dr. Hermenigildo Samoy, development partners from Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Phil. Crop Insurance, members from the academe, QSU, and CSU, and the officers and members of Cagayan Valley Coffee Industry Development Council.♦
Date of Release: 18 February 2021