In a significant move to bolster the coffee industry in the MIMAROPA Region, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) MIMAROPA Regional Director Rodolfo Mariposque recently led a pivotal consultation session with prominent figures in the coffee sector of Oriental Mindoro.

The session focused on discussing the proposed technical assistance for coffee farmers in Marinduque, aiming to enhance the quality and productivity of their coffee farms.

The consultation brought together a diverse group of experts, including representatives from the Regional Technical Education and Skills Development Committee, such as Architect Ran Quinano and Rico Sanchez, as well as Technical Education And Skills Development Authority representatives Cecille Magaling and Niña Salido.

Joining them was DTI Marinduque Provincial Director Roniel Macatol, and Paul Bañas, the owner of Sinag Coffee Roastery, which holds the distinction of being the first coffee roastery and processing center in Oriental Mindoro.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to provide comprehensive support to the coffee farmers in the region, DTI said.

Sinag Coffee Roastery has been at the forefront of this movement, working closely with local coffee producers to ensure the delivery of high-quality coffee beans to the market.

Their collaboration with DTI MIMAROPA has been instrumental in launching Mindoro Coffee, a brand that celebrates the unique flavors and quality of coffee sourced from the Mangyan communities in Mindoro.

The proposed technical assistance program is expected to include various forms of support, such as training in modern farming techniques, provision of high-quality seedlings, and access to new markets.

“This will not only improve the livelihoods of the local coffee farmers but also position Marinduque as a key player in the Philippine coffee industry,” DTI noted.

DTI said that as the coffee industry in the Philippines continues to evolve, initiatives like these are crucial for empowering local communities and ensuring the sustainability of the coffee sector.

With the combined efforts of government agencies, industry experts, and passionate entrepreneurs, the future of coffee farming in MIMAROPA looks promising, according to DTI. (Source: DTI MIMAROPA)