CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Bukidnon is becoming one of Mindanao's top coffee-producing provinces as more farmers improve the quality of their coffee, increase production, and gain access to bigger markets.
The growth is being supported by the Rural Agro-Enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development (RAPID) Growth Project, led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
The project helps small coffee farmers produce better-quality beans by providing modern processing equipment such as solar dryers and hulling machines.
It also helps farmers connect directly with commercial buyers, allowing them to earn better prices for their coffee.
Eight farmer groups and cooperatives in Bukidnon are now part of the program.
They receive training, shared facilities, and support to improve coffee production and marketing.
During a recent field visit in Lantapan, government officials said the project has already helped improve bean quality, increase yields, and expand market opportunities for local farmers.
Lantapan Mayor Ricky James D. Balansag said the progress of the coffee industry is also rooted in peace and stability within farming communities.
"Peace is the foundation of progress. Though our community is not yet an official tourism destination, we are proud to be accessible, insurgency-free, and united in preserving a safe, peaceful, and welcoming environment as we unlock our tourism potential," Balansag said.
He said a peaceful environment has allowed farmers to sustain coffee production and post-harvest activities while creating more opportunities for rural communities.
Officials also said Bukidnon's cool climate, fertile land, and peaceful farming communities make the province well-suited for growing high-quality coffee.
The project is supported by several partners, including Nestlé Philippines, Central Mindanao University, the Peace and Equity Foundation, the Mindanao Development Authority, the Provincial Government of Bukidnon, and the local governments of Lantapan and Pangantucan.
For coffee farmers, the project offers better income opportunities through improved production and direct market access. For consumers, it could mean more locally produced Bukidnon coffee becoming available in stores and cafés.
With continued investment and support, Bukidnon is strengthening its position as one of Mindanao's emerging coffee hubs, creating opportunities for farmers, local businesses, and the region's economy. (Ben Balce, Editorial Lead)
