Malaybalay City, Bukidnon – July 24, 2025 — In a decisive move to strengthen the Philippine coffee industry and champion sustainable agriculture, the Philippine Rural Development Project – Project Support Office Mindanao (PRDP PSO Mindanao) spearheaded a five-day Training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) on Coffee, held from July 14 to 18 in the highland communities of Malaybalay City and Pangantucan, Bukidnon.
Gathering more than 40 participants from 15 coffee proponent groups across Regions 10, 11, 12, 13, and BARMM, the training aimed to elevate coffee quality, boost productivity, and promote environmentally sound farming practices. Also joining were agricultural technicians and local implementers from the Provincial Agriculture Office of Bukidnon (PAGRO), PPMIU Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur, and the Department of Agriculture’s Regional Field Office 10.
“This training is not just about producing better coffee—it’s about transforming communities,” said a PRDP official. “By investing in farmers’ skills and introducing climate-smart practices, we are creating pathways for inclusive growth and sustainable enterprise.”
From Bean to Brew: Learning the Craft
The training opened with an immersive coffee appreciation session led by seasoned mentors from AG Farm Innovation, Coffee Brothers Co., and Black Puppy Coffee Roastery. Through interactive lectures and guided cupping sessions, participants explored the world of specialty coffee—from understanding flavor profiles to identifying market opportunities in both local and global arenas.
“It was an eye-opener for many,” said one participant. “We never knew that with the right practices, our coffee could reach specialty markets.”
Grounded in Good Agricultural Practices
Beyond appreciation, the core of the training focused on the rigorous principles of Good Agricultural Practices. Participants learned essential farm management techniques, including site selection, soil sampling, planting layout, nutrient management, and Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM). The sessions highlighted the critical role of pruning, rejuvenation, and proper harvest timing—cornerstones in sustaining long-term tree health and bean quality.
Field demonstrations were held at the Bukidnon Millenium Multipurpose Cooperative (BMMPC) farm in Pigtauranan, Pangantucan, where participants got their hands dirty practicing what they learned—planting new seedlings, applying organic fertilizers, pruning mature trees, and harvesting only the ripest red cherries.
Post-Harvest Excellence
Understanding that coffee quality is just as dependent on post-harvest handling, the training delved into best practices after the beans leave the branch. Farmers participated in sorting, depulping, fermentation, and drying using elevated drying beds they helped construct during the training. They also engaged in bean grading and sensory analysis—further sharpening their ability to meet the high standards of specialty coffee buyers.
A Sustainable Brew for the Future
As coffee continues to be both a livelihood and a cultural emblem across Mindanao’s upland communities, the PRDP Mindanao’s training initiative serves as a timely intervention to professionalize coffee production and empower local growers.
“Coffee is more than a crop—it’s a livelihood with potential to uplift lives,” said one regional agriculture officer. “With the right knowledge and continued collaboration, Mindanao can position itself as a key player in the specialty coffee market.”
By fusing tradition with innovation, and community effort with technical expertise, PRDP Mindanao and its partners are cultivating more than beans—they’re brewing a future filled with hope, opportunity, and homegrown excellence.