In a concerted effort to invigorate the coffee industry, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 2 and the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office No. 2 (DA RFO2) convened the inaugural meeting of the Cagayan Valley Coffee Industry Development Council. Held at the picturesque Bumolo’s Integrated Farm in Poblacion, Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya on 26 March 2024, the event showcased the region’s commitment to brewing excellence.
Chaired by Engr. Monico Castro Jr., Chief of the Field Operations Division at DA RFO2, the gathering delved into a comprehensive review of the council’s 2023 achievements and outlined ambitious government support programs, projects, and activities for the current year.
Key highlights of the meeting include:
1. Implementation of green grading and pre-cupping protocols ahead of the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC) 2024 submissions.
2. Development of a standardized reporting template to streamline industry data collection, to be utilized by Regional Line Agencies (RLAs) such as DA and DTI.
3. Formulation of a Memorandum of Understanding between RLAs, Local Government Units (LGUs), and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) regarding the establishment of a Management Information System. SUCs will spearhead data gathering as the research arm of the council.
4. Formation of the PCQC Technical Working Group (TWG) by the Council Co-chair (DA RFO2) and Secretariat (DTI R2) to oversee subsequent PCQC activities.
5. Provision of “A Cost to Produce” manual copies by the Council Chair to all members.
Additionally, attendees addressed pertinent issues such as regional coffee bean pricing, traceability measures, the establishment of coffee hubs, and collaboration with SUCs for database updates.
Looking ahead, the council scheduled its second semester meeting on 4 July 2024, to strategize for the upcoming International Coffee Day on 1 October 2024.
For more info visit: https://www.facebook.com/DTI.Region02/posts/pfbid02LXdm8yzT3km8NjKXStYBfEcE7EZn7XCxvZ2YEWjQZaJuyZeSpHc1Hey6ZaU71CmBl. ♦
Date of release: 22 April 2024