The Davao Regional Coffee Council is intensifying efforts to develop the coffee industry by connecting consumers with farmers and expanding plantation areas. According to Gerome Sumagaysay, a representative from the council, the region is pushing for transparency in coffee production through the Davao Coffee Tour, which will give consumers an opportunity to learn about the process of coffee production and appreciate its value. Sumagaysay explained that transparency is a key factor in appreciating coffee and that the tour will help address the issue of unappreciated coffee due to lack of knowledge about its production process. The council aims to attract more investors, leading to long-term economic benefits and empowering farmers across the region. However, the country still faces a shortage in local coffee supply, and the government plans to develop more coffee farms to address this issue, with the High Value Crops Development Program aiming to expand dedicated coffee farms to 20,000. The Regional Coffee Innovation Center, led by the Department of Agriculture, is also playing a crucial role in improving coffee quality through research and training, including experimenting with fermentation to enhance flavor and teaching farmers to roast beans and conduct cupping sessions.
