Brewing partnership, grounded in sustainability

Isulan, Sultan Kudarat – The coffee industry in the province of Sultan Kudarat gained renewed momentum as key stakeholders came together to strengthen the local value chain in Lebak and Kalamansig during a two-day planning workshop held on July 8-9, 2025. 

Organized by the Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF), the workshop brought together representatives from the local government agencies, municipal agricultural offices, commercial buyers, coffee-producing cooperatives, and people’s organizations. 

“Ultimately, our goal is to contribute meaningfully to the economic development of both the local communities and the broader region,” PEF Board Member Martiniano “Dodoy” Magdolot said. 

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, Sultan Kudarat was the highest coffee-producing province in the country in 2024, with an output of 21,400 metric tons. The province is aiming to be officially recognized as the “Robusta Capital of the Philippines.” 

Convergence in the coffee value chain

Participants presented their programs and plans covering the entire value chain — from production and processing to marketing — over the next six years. Breakout workshops followed, leading to the implementation plans specific to the municipalities of Lebak and Kalamansig. 

“This meeting marks a big step forward in providing more economic opportunities in the province,” said Department of Trade and Industry Provincial Director Eddie S. De Asis. “Our target is ambitious: a 60% increase in household income for farmers. This is a challenging goal, but with strong partnerships, such as the one we have with PEF, and the active involvement of stakeholders from various private and government agencies, we believe it can be achieved.”  

Following the workshop, the PEF Sultan Kudarat team, led by Area Officer Ian Aquino, presented the consolidated plans and recommendations to Lebak and Kalamansig LGUs. 

In one of the visits, Kalamansig Mayor Ronan Garcia reaffirmed his support for the development of the local coffee industry and committed to sustaining ongoing initiatives in the municipality.

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