Bukidnon is doubling down on coffee as a key economic driver, with provincial leaders pushing forward an ambitious plan to position the province as the country’s Arabica capital by 2026. Anchored on long-term growth and sustainability, the initiative seeks to elevate local coffee farming from small-scale production to a globally competitive industry.
At the heart of this push is a clear vision: transform Bukidnon into the leading source of high-value Arabica coffee in the Philippines, while creating stable livelihoods for farmers and strengthening the rural economy.
A 10-Year Plan for Expansion and Growth
The provincial government has laid out a 10-year development plan that aims to expand Arabica coffee plantations to more than 10,000 hectares by 2035. This large-scale expansion is designed to meet growing domestic and international demand for premium coffee while ensuring that production remains sustainable.
By steadily increasing plantation areas and improving farm productivity, Bukidnon hopes to secure its place in the global coffee map, not just as a supplier of raw beans, but as a producer of quality Arabica known for consistency and flavor.
The Bukidnon Coffee Roadmap
Central to this effort is the Bukidnon Coffee Roadmap, which serves as the blueprint for the province’s coffee industry development. According to Governor Rogelio Neil Roque, the roadmap goes beyond policy and planning.
“The roadmap is not just a document. It is a path toward livelihood expansion, farmer empowerment, international recognition and sustainable economic growth,” Roque said during a recent convocation.
The roadmap prioritizes farmer support through skills training, access to post-harvest facilities, and improvements in bean quality. These measures are meant to increase productivity, reduce losses, and raise farmers’ incomes.
Building a Globally Competitive Coffee Industry
Beyond farming, the plan emphasizes value-adding processes such as roasting and grinding to keep more of the coffee value chain within the province. By strengthening market access and encouraging local processing, Bukidnon aims to move from being a raw bean supplier to a recognized producer of finished coffee products.
