Bukidnon Coffee Council Pushes Arabica Capital Goal
MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — The Bukidnon Coffee Council is ramping up initiatives to establish the province firmly as the country’s Arabica capital. Officials reported plans to expand Arabica coffee cultivation to at least 10,000 hectares, aiming to meet growing demand from both local and international markets.
Governor Rogelio Neil Roque acknowledged that while Bukidnon’s current production volume remains modest, the rising interest from buyers worldwide necessitates a significant scale-up. “If we want to be considered seriously, we need to offer a big volume. That’s why our coffee roadmap is focused on Arabica,” Roque told local leaders during a recent press briefing.
Growing Interest from International Investors
Community members noted that Japanese investors have recently expressed keen interest in Bukidnon Arabica coffee. This followed a tasting event held at Manila’s Mitsukoshi Mall, which opened doors for potential farm visits and collaborative ventures. Such engagement signals promising opportunities for the province’s coffee industry to gain a foothold in global markets.
Roque highlighted the premium value of Bukidnon’s Arabica beans, stating that abroad, some beans have fetched prices as high as ₱100,000 per kilogram. Currently, local farmers earn around ₱30,000 per kilo, reflecting a significant upside potential with improved production and marketing.
Strengthening Local Growers and Research
To support local farmers in reaching international standards, the Bukidnon Coffee Council is partnering with Central Mindanao University and private sector stakeholders. This collaboration focuses on providing technical assistance, including genetic sequencing of coffee varieties, a program supported by the provincial government’s 2025 budget allocation.
Officials reported that some university students are now dedicating their theses to coffee research, underscoring the growing academic interest in improving coffee quality and sustainability in Bukidnon.
Vision for Bukidnon as Arabica Capital
Governor Roque emphasized that with the right support systems in place, Bukidnon is poised to become the Arabica capital of the Philippines. He stressed the importance of enhancing bean quality and ensuring competitiveness on the international stage. “With the right support system, Bukidnon can truly become the Arabica capital of the country,” Roque said, highlighting the roadmap’s focus on quality improvement and market readiness.
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