This year’s Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC) showcased the exceptional dedication of Mindanao’s coffee farmers, who triumphed in both the Robusta and Arabica categories. The awarding ceremony took place at the culmination program of Philippine Coffee Expo (PCE) 2024, on Sunday, June 9, at SPACE, One Ayala Mall, Makati City.
Davao del Sur province emerged as the major winner in the Arabica category. Arnel Morales clinched first place with a score of 84.95. The top scorers following him were: Rogelio Gonzales in 4th place with 84.18; Josephine Libres in 5th with 84.07; Ronald Dicdican in 7th with 83.63; Sergio Loon in 8th with 83.60; Dione Ellaga in 9th with 83.39; and Analyn Bunal in 12th with 82.70.
Special awards for best processing techniques were bestowed upon Morales for the best natural process and Libres for the best honey natural process in the Arabica category.
Manolito Garces from Bukidnon secured 3rd place with a score of 84.70. Meanwhile, Ylaine Joyce Giangan from Makilala, Cotabato province achieved 6th place with a score of 83.94.
In the Robusta category, four coffee farmers from the Municipality of Senator Ninoy Aquino, locally known as Kulaman, in Sultan Kudarat province, secured the top spots.
Leading the pack were the Basco brothers, Rey John and Roan, who achieved first and second place with impressive scores of 86.45 and 86.43, respectively. Followed by Denz Bert Deramos and Orlando Bayudan, who earned the fifth with 84.85 score and sixth spot with 84.68.
Rey John was also recognized as the sole winner in the Robusta coffee processing category for his natural processed method.
“This award represents a milestone not just for us, the dedicated coffee farmers, but it also serves to elevate the stature of Sultan Kudarat’s coffee on a broader scale. The accolade bestowed upon us by the PCQC is instrumental in broadening our market reach and promoting the distinct flavors of Soccsksargen’s coffee,” Rey John said.
“Above all, this honor serves as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging a new generation of farmers to embrace the competition and strive for excellence in coffee production,” he added.
According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority for 2021, Sultan Kudarat province is the top coffee producer in the Philippines, accounting for 35 percent of the country's total coffee production.
The region is actively vying for the title of “Coffee Capital of the Philippines” through the concerted efforts of various agencies and local government units, including the Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat, which are all pushing this initiative forward.
The PCQC is an annual event that is aimed at identifying and promoting the best quality coffees in the country to encourage producers to improve their coffee quality and to promote these to domestic and international markets. It is conducted with the support from government, the private sector, and donor-funded projects.
PCQC wants to see the best of the best coffees in the Philippines by performing evaluations aligned with the grading and profiling protocols of the Coffee Quality Institute. It also aims to make our Philippine coffee known in the local and international markets.
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