Coffee is the second most traded commodity in the world. We produce 158 M 60-kg bags of dried beans and the consumption is 157 M 60-kg bags.
The Philippines ranks fifth as a coffee consumer country in the world. It’s a part of our daily routine that in a day we at least drink a cup of coffee.
The third Philippine Coffee Conference was held recently in Baguio City aimed to strengthen our coffee industry and to inspire and educate people about its production. Its theme is “Growing and brewing together”.
DTI-CAR Regional Director, Myrna Pablo said that they choose Baguio City to be the host region because it was recommended by the majority from places they’ve visited. Also, it has very accommodating people but the best factor is, Baguio has the best aroma of coffee in the Philippines.
They had been in partnership with the Department of Agriculture because of its significant role in helping the production of coffee. The low production needed to be addressed so they are doing their job to at least reach their quota. Another factor is that some of the sons and daughters of the farmers don’t want to continue farming and prioritize getting other jobs.
Gemma Ngelangel, the owner of Goldfish Brew and Brew, plans that instead of constructing another coffee shop she would rather make a firm that promotes the profession of coffee promotion which will start with the HRM and tourism students.
The quality of our coffee has been competitive globally and we need to help it improve more. As coffee lovers we should also be concerned about its production so the industry will continue to bloom.**Ralph Kipol Sad-en, UB Intern
