Coffee program’s closing ceremony highlights coffee farmers’ entrepreneurial journey

I was invited to the closing ceremony of Nestle Philippines’ Project Coffee++ at the Sultan Kudarat Convention Center in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat.

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The three-year capacity building project was jointly led by Nestle Philippines and German agency for cooperation GIZ. The program has been equipping coffee farmers in Bukidnon and Sultan Kudarat with the agricultural skills, financial literacy, and market access since its first phase began in 2018.

"[Project] Coffee++ has strengthened farmers' entrepreneurial skills, enhanced soil and crop productivity, and promoted sustainable, climate smart practices. These efforts directly contribute to our shared goal of Masaganang Agrikultura, Maunlad na Ekonomiya, a productive, resilient agriculture that empowers Filipino farmers. Nestle's commitment to source nearly 80 percent of its local green coffee beans from Sultan Kudarat, the coffee capital of the Philippines demonstrates how inclusive value chains can uplift communities," said guest of honor Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel in his speech at the event. “Through programs like Coffee++, we receive concrete results. We improve farmer incomes, stronger cooperatives, and renewed pride in our locally grown Robusta coffee.”