Davao del Sur State College President, Dr. Augie E. Fuentes, leads an unveiling ceremony at the Regional Coffee Innovation Center. He is joined by partners from national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), industry, and non-government organizations (NGOs). The group stands in front of the center, with some individuals holding red cloths and others clapping.
Davao del Sur State College President, Dr. Augie E. Fuentes, leads the unveiling of the marker of the Regional Coffee Innovation Center and Museum together with partners from national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), industry and non-government organizations (NGOs).

Davao Del Sur, Philippines– The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 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 last February 20.

Launched in Digos City, this facility 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 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.

The DTI Davao del Sur expressed its full support for the establishment and operationalization of the RCIC. The center will serve as a hub for knowledge and innovation for the coffee industry in the area.

This support will come in the form of machines and equipment through the pipelined 2026 Shared Service Facility Project. Seminars and training initiatives will also be offered under the Industry Cluster Enhancement Program, the Rural Agro-Enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth Project, and others. Moreover, market facilitation will be provided through the One Town One Product Next Gen Program.

The DTI Davao del Sur also proactively convenes the Provincial Coffee Industry Council, which meets quarterly 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 into an association called Digos Coffee Community, which 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, seven out of the top 12 winners in the Specialty Arabica category came from Davao del Sur, including the first-place winner, Mr. Arnel Morales of the Balutakay Coffee Farmers (BACOFA) Cooperative.

Moreover, based on the 2024 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Davao del Sur remains the fourth-highest coffee-producing province in the country, following Sultan Kudarat, Bukidnon, and Cavite. ♦

Date of Release: 27 February 2025