05/06/2026
in has truly come a looong way- far beyond what many of us imagined years ago!
It was wonderful catching up with my former sparring partners from DTI Region 12, Dagny Marti and coffee champion Ate Rebecca Gacayan whose coffee terminologies now sound almost like a different language to me. Their stories, however, were music to my ears.
Hats off SK Gov Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu, Kahar & everyone! One achievement that stood out was Sultan Kudarat’s dominance in the Experimental Coffee Processing category. Beyond the traditional natural, washed, or honey processes, it involves innovative fermentation techniques, controlled processing environments, and creative post-harvest methods that unlock unique flavor profiles and elevate the value of coffee. It’s where science, craftsmanship, and the farmer’s intuition meet in a cup. Power! Innovative!
Sultan Kudarat proudly bagged most of the awards in this category, while producers from Ilocos Sur shone in natural coffee awards plus those given to exceptional and varieties to , , , etc. You are raising the bar for Philippine coffee!
And here’s another exciting development: these award-winning coffees will be offered through . For coffee enthusiasts, roasters, and specialty coffee buyers, this is your opportunity to discover distinctive flavors crafted and processed by the farmer-producers themselves.
Listening to these updates brought back memories of 2011, when we worked tirelessly to push the coffee industry forward in Sultan Kudarat and Region 12. I fondly remember collaborating with then Governor Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu, DTI Regional Director Ibs Katug Guiamadel, DA’s Danny Centillas, Dr. Eugenio, Prox of Nestlé, and industry partners such as Chit Juan of Figaro, Bo’s Coffee, and Cavite State University. Back then, we dreamed of building an industry that could compete nationally and globally.
Today, seeing how far the industry has progressed is both humbling and inspiring.
A special note of appreciation to the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Government and DTI Region 12 for sustaining the momentum, continuously supporting farmers and enterprises, and investing in the industry’s growth. What started as a vision years ago has evolved into a thriving ecosystem of growers, processors, innovators, and coffee champions. Your unwavering commitment has helped bring Sultan Kudarat coffee to the next level.
But beyond the awards, technologies, and recognition, the real heroes remain the farmers and processors whose resilience, passion, and commitment continue to move the industry forward. And of course, the consumers who support them with every cup.
So keep drinking coffee. Every sip helps sustain livelihoods, communities, and the continuing story of Philippine coffee excellence.
☕ Mabuhay ang kape ng Sultan Kudarat! From bean to cup, from dream to distinction. ☕
