TO boost the coffee industry in Cagayan Valley (Region 2), the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 2 (DA-RFO2) gathered coffee enthusiasts, farmers, cooperatives and government officials in the historic first Cagayan Valley Coffee Exposition at the Isabela Convention Center in Cauayan, Isabela, on Oct. 28.
Anchored on the theme “Blended with Arts, Brewed with Passion: Toward Sustainable Coffee Industry,” the groundbreaking event was part of the first Agri-Ugnayan 2024 to celebrate the achievements in making the coffee industry in the region a thriving one.
Paul Buenavista of the DA Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section said the exposition was in response to the “DA’s vision of achieving food security for the Filipino people through boosting agricultural productivity and ensuring food accessibility and affordability.”
Photo shows the participants of the historic first Cagayan Valley Coffee Exposition at the Isabela Convention Center in Cauayan, Isabela, on Oct. 28, 2024. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PHOTO
“The exposition provided a platform for local coffee farmers’ cooperatives and associations to showcase their distinct products and innovative approaches to coffee cultivation and allowed them to network and exchange insights with key industry players, aligning with the DA-RFO2’s goal of incorporating farmers into the value chain,” Buenavista said.
DA-RFO2 Executive Director Rose Mary Aquino acknowledged the dedicated efforts of the DA staff in the region in organizing the event.
“[This] truly reflects a deep commitment to artistry and passion for building a resilient, sustainable coffee sector,” she said.
In her message, Aquino highlighted the unique connection between the “warmth of our coffee and the strong [and] lasting partnerships among stakeholders.”
Calling for continued collaboration in support of the agriculture and fisheries programs in Cagayan Valley, aligning with the national food security objectives, Aquino said, “We are encouraging coffee industry partners to explore local alternatives” suggesting the potential of instant coffee infused with corn as a plant-based creamer, which is a nod to the region’s leading position in corn production.”
She said this innovation represents a sustainable option that supports local farmers.
Aquino also proposed a resolution advocating for the inclusion of coffee-related projects in Land Bank of the Philippines loan programs to aid industry growth and sustainability.
“Our vision aligns with the broader mission of the DA-RFO2 to position the Cagayan Valley region as a modernized hub for quality agricultural products, embodying the agency’s commitment as a dedicated DA-DOS Ayos,” Aquino said. DA-DOS Ayos stands for Agency Delivering Outstanding Services.
Meanwhile, Buenavista noted that one of the highlights of the event was the soft launching and raising a ceremonial toast of the new coffee 3-in-1 instant coffee product, marking a promising addition to Cagayan Valley’s coffee offerings.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. also gave a message delivered by Joseph Manicad, DA-High Value Crops Development Program director, underscoring the department’s commitment to elevating the coffee industry in the region and nationwide.
Tiu Laurel said that Cagayan Valley has the potential to become a major player in quality coffee production because of its rich soil, ideal climate and dedicated farmers.
“The DA is committed to fostering collaborations with local governments, private partners and coffee cooperatives to strengthen the region’s coffee production and enable agripreneurs to compete on a global scale,” he said in applauding the collective achievements that make events like the first Coffee Expo instrumental in propelling the region’s coffee industry forward toward a sustainable and prosperous future.
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