04/09/2026
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The Office of Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Deputy Floor Leader MP Atty Suharto M Ambolodto MNSA, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) and the municipal governments of Upi in Maguindanao del Norte and South Upi in Maguindanao del Sur, conducted a Coffee Development Forum cm Orientation on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at the San Isidro Parish Formation Center in Nuro Poblacion, Upi.
The forum was attended by around 90 coffee farmers and representatives of local cooperatives, including the Rempes Modern Agricultural Cooperative, Small Farmers Marketing Cooperative, Senbangke Soy Libun Muyot Magenset, and Looy Farmers Services Cooperative.
The activity aimed to address challenges confronting local coffee producers while providing them with practical knowledge and skills in sustainable farm production, post-harvest management, quality improvement, enterprise development, and market access.
Upi and South Upi have strong potential for coffee production due to their favorable climate, fertile highlands, and established coffee-growing tradition. However, farmers continue to face challenges such as low productivity, limited access to technology, inadequate post-harvest facilities, and weak market linkages.
These constraints often leave producers with limited options to increase the value of their harvest, forcing some to sell coffee cherries or unprocessed beans at low prices.
To help address these concerns, MAFAR specialists facilitated technical sessions covering various stages of the coffee value chain.
Fahad Jainal, Agriculturist I of MAFAR Maguindanao, discussed Sustainable Coffee Production and Farm Management, focusing on practices that can improve farm productivity and sustainability.
Engr. Muhaimin Ali, Senior Agriculturist of MAFAR Maguindanao, led the session on Post-Harvest Management, Quality Improvement, and Value Addition, highlighting proper handling and processing practices to improve coffee quality and increase product value.
Meanwhile, Ramil Timpolok, Senior Agriculturist of the Agri-Marketing and Assistance Division of the MAFAR Regional Office, discussed Coffee Enterprise Development, Marketing, and Inclusive Value Chain, emphasizing opportunities for farmers and cooperatives to expand their market participation.
The forum stressed the importance of sustained collaboration among local governments, regional agencies, private-sector partners, and farming cooperatives in developing a competitive and sustainable coffee industry in the Bangsamoro.
The initiative also sought to help farmers move beyond the sale of raw produce by improving production practices, enhancing post-harvest handling, adding value to coffee products, and expanding access to markets.