DAVAO Region continues to enjoy steady growth in coffee production, officials from the Department of Agriculture (DA) XI and the Davao Region Coffee Council reported on Monday.
John Paul Matuguinas, DA XI agricultural center chief, said there is a growing market demand for local specialty coffee.
Matuguinas said the region maintained its position as the second-largest coffee-producing region in the country.
He added that nationwide coffee production is under 30,000 metric tons, which leaves a supply gap relative to growing domestic consumption.
“Our production in Davao Region is on a steady increase as farmers see the strong potential of coffee as a high-value crop,” Matuguinas said.
Local specialty coffee, he said, commands higher market prices due to increasing consumer appreciation for quality.
“Most of our consumers right now are aware of the quality, so they will tend to buy at higher prices if they feel the coffee has good quality,” he stressed.
To address the local deficit and expand cultivation, the DA has institutionalized a dedicated office, the Coffee Industry Development Office.
Under the program, coffee intervention for the Davao Region is allocated over ₱37 million, covering planting materials, fertilizers, training, and post-harvest machinery and equipment.
The announcement comes ahead of the Regional Coffee Expo 2026 in Davao de Oro on October 1-3, which is expected to draw approximately 300 participants, including coffee farmers, entrepreneurs, government representatives, and industry stakeholders.
Shosi Mari Salubre Larido, vice president of Davao Coffee Council, shared that the three-day event will feature two days of plenary sessions and coffee competitions such as latte art and brewing.
The event will also incorporate DA-funded processing technology and a dedicated coffee tour. Two full scholarships for youth in coffee processing will also be announced during the event.
The expo will also conduct the Young Farmers Challenge to encourage youth to venture into businesses like coffee production or coffee enterprises, noting that the government supports enterprise development.
Davao de Oro was selected as this year’s host province due to its growing potential for premium coffee cultivation, comparable to famous growing areas like Balutakay in Davao del Sur.
“We are also promoting nga si Davao de Oro has potential sa kape, in terms of quality, kay parehas ra syag elevation sa diri sa atong Davao del Sur, which is the Balutakay,” she said.
Authorities assured that targeted interventions, including solar-powered pump irrigation systems and cloud seeding assessments, are being deployed to safeguard farms.
