DAVAO DEL SUR – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Davao del Sur Provincial Office is optimistic about the continued growth of the province’s coffee industry following the launch of the Davao del Sur State College (DSSC) – Regional Coffee Innovation Center (RCIC) and Museum.
The RCIC and Museum, which was launched on February 20 at the DSSC Campus, Matti, Digos City, is the first of its kind in Davao Region and Mindanao. It is dedicated to improving every stage of the coffee journey in the region – from seed to cup – by conducting research and development, providing quality evaluations, facilitating access to local and international markets, and capacitating coffee farmers with the latest technologies and best practices.
In his message during the launching ceremony, DSSC – RCIC and Museum head Dr. Regie D. Patagoc said, “We believe that the Regional Coffee Innovation Center will be a game-changer not only for Davao Region but for the island of Mindanao, as a whole.”
“It will not only elevate the quality of our coffee but also empower the rural communities, create new opportunities, and solidify our position as a leading producer of specialty coffee in the country and in the ASEAN,” he added.
DTI Davao del Sur Business Development Division chief Czar Raul V. Bulaclac, who represented Provincial Director Maria Victoria R. Placer, expressed the agency’s full support for the establishment and operationalization of RCIC. He called the center a major milestone as it will serve as a hub for knowledge and innovation for the coffee industry.
“We, at DTI Davao del Sur, are proud to be one of the partners in this trailblazing endeavor and we look forward to continuously supporting the growth and sustainability of our local coffee industry in Davao del Sur and Davao Region, as well,” Bulaclac said.
This support will come in the form of machines and equipment through the Shared Service Facility (SSF) Project, which is in the pipeline for 2026; seminars and training initiatives under the Industry Cluster Enhancement (ICE) Program, the Rural Agro-Enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth) Project, and others; and market facilitation through the One Town One Product (OTOP) Next Gen Program.
DTI Davao del Sur is also proactive in convening the Provincial Coffee Industry Council, which meets quarterly as an avenue to discuss issues, opportunities, and updates surrounding the local coffee industry. Recently, the agency organized a group of local coffee shops, pop-up carts, and baristas dubbed Digos Coffee Community, an association that will also be represented in the council.
Davao del Sur continues to be regarded as one of the Philippines’ top producers of high-quality Specialty Arabica coffee beans. In the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC) last year, 7 out of the Top 12 winners in the Specialty Arabica category came from Davao del Sur including the 1st placer, Mr. Arnel Morales of the Balutakay Coffee Farmers (BACOFA) Cooperative.
Moreover, based on the 2024 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the province of Davao del Sur retains its position as the Top 4 coffee-producing province in the country, following Sultan Kudarat, Bukidnon, and Cavite.DTI11
