The Philippine coffee sector could soon see a significant boost with the filing of a new bill aiming to transform the country into a globally competitive coffee producer and exporter by 2035. The proposed legislation, known as the Philippine National Coffee Industry Development Act of 2025 (SB 1556), seeks to strengthen government support for local coffee growers while modernizing production systems and improving sustainability.
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Reviving a Once-Thriving Industry
The Philippines was among the world’s leading coffee exporters in the 1880s, but the industry has since declined, leaving the country dependent on imports for as much as 81 percent of its coffee needs. The bill’s proponents hope to reverse this trend by supporting smallholder farmers, who operate 95 percent of local coffee farms, and preserving iconic Philippine coffee varieties such as Barako, Robusta, Arabica, and Excelsa.
“Through these reforms, the Philippines can steadily work toward regaining its place in the global coffee sector, while building an industry that is more responsive and productive,” said the sponsor of the bill. He added that “coffee is life for many Filipinos, but for our local growers, it’s a daily fight for survival against imports and limited support from the Philippine government.”
Supporting Farmers and Ensuring Sustainability
The measure outlines a range of support mechanisms, including a P5,000-per-hectare fertilizer subsidy, a price support scheme guaranteeing minimum farm-gate prices, and transport subsidies for highland communities. Regional councils will be established in major coffee-producing areas such as Cordillera (Benguet, Mountain Province), Southern Luzon (Batangas, Cavite), and Mindanao (Davao, Bukidnon, Sultan Kudarat, Cotabato, and Soccsksargen) to coordinate local initiatives.
Lacson noted that challenges such as outdated government guidance, limited research and development, insufficient equipment and post-harvest facilities, and poor farm-to-market roads continue to hinder the industry. “Even post-harvest support is not enough as farmers sun-dry their beans and rely on small local millers, while existing facilities in some areas are being underutilized due to inconsistent or insufficient supply of raw beans,” he said. The bill also aims to promote climate-resilient practices and develop world-class quality standards for Philippine coffee.
If implemented, the Coffee Industry Development Act could have far-reaching benefits for Filipinos. It promises to strengthen local economies, provide more stable incomes for coffee farmers, reduce dependence on imports, and make high-quality Philippine coffee more widely available domestically and internationally.
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