IN THE misty uplands of Davao del Sur, where coffee trees grow under the shelter of mountain canopies, a quiet transformation is unfolding. For years, farmers across the Region have tended to their crops with patience and perseverance, despite the hurdles brought by climate change, pests, poor infrastructure, and low market prices. Their efforts are now being met with renewed hope, guided by the power of Science and Technology.
This hope comes in the form of the newly launched Regional Coffee Innovation Center and Museum (RCIC) at Davao del Sur State College (DSSC). Inaugurated on February 20, 2025, the center is designed to support coffee farmers through research, training, and quality evaluation. It is a project deeply rooted in the Province’s agricultural heritage and its vision for a sustainable future.
The RCIC began as a modest Coffee Cupping Laboratory funded by ACDI-VOCA, aimed at helping farmers assess and improve the quality of their beans. In 2022, as part of the Department of Science and Technology’s (Dost) broader initiative to establish innovation centers across provinces, Dost 11 collaborated with DSSC to expand the lab’s capabilities. Through this partnership, the facility was upgraded into a full-fledged Innovation Center, transforming it into a hub for research, learning, and value creation for Davao del Sur’s coffee sector.
With the strong collaboration of DSSC, the Dost 11, and ACDI-VOCA, along with support from other government and development agencies, the RCIC stands as a vital platform for advancing coffee production in the region.
“Our vision is a coffee industry that uplifts our farmers and strengthens communities through innovation,” said Dr. Augie E. Fuentes, DSSC President.
Inside the P12-million facility, coffee meets Science in practical and meaningful ways. The center houses a sensory laboratory where farmers can submit beans for grading. Through a process known as cupping, trained evaluators determine whether the beans qualify as commercial or specialty grade. Specialty coffee, which scores 80 points or higher, earns a premium price in domestic and international markets.
According to Dr. Fuentes, many farmers in the Province already produce beans of specialty quality due to their commitment to good agricultural practices. What they lacked before was access to testing and verification. The RCIC now fills that gap.
As part of Dost’s ongoing support, the center is equipped with a coffee roaster and grinder. Additional equipment, including an Agtron color sorting machine and an espresso machine, is currently being procured to further strengthen the processing capabilities available to farmers and micro-enterprises.
“Through Dost’s programs, we ensure that Science is brought closer to the ground,” said Dr. Anthony Sales, Dost 11 regional director.
“Facilities like this one give our local producers a fair chance to compete in higher-value markets,” he added.
More than just a lab or processing facility, the RCIC is also a place of learning and experience. It features a training room, a coffee shop, and a museum that tells the story of coffee in Davao del Sur. Visitors can take part in a “seed to cup” journey, tracing the process from planting and harvesting to roasting and tasting.
Dr. Regie Patagoc, who heads the RCIC, believes this experiential approach is key.
“People need to see what goes into every cup of coffee. When they understand the science and labor behind it, they gain a deeper appreciation for both the drink and the farmers who make it possible,” he said.
The Philippines has a long relationship with coffee. Back in 1880, the country was the fourth-largest coffee exporter in the world. But in 1894, coffee leaf rust wiped out much of the crop. Today, we’re rebuilding, and science is playing a central role.
Our country is one of the few that can grow all four main types of coffee: Robusta, Arabica, Liberica (Barako), and Excelsa. Robusta, used in blends and instant coffee, is the most common variety, making up almost 70 percent of national production.
In the second quarter of 2023 alone, the Philippines produced 2.77 thousand metric tons of green coffee beans, a 1.8 percent increase from the same period in 2022. Davao Region, along with Barmm and Soccsksargen, contributed more than 70 percent of this total output.
With the support of Dost and the commitment of local farmers, the RCIC provides essential resources for research, quality testing, and skill development, empowering farmers to improve their yields and compete in the global market. This partnership paves the way for sustainable growth in the coffee sector, nurturing a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.
The RCIC is a key piece of this transformation, blending research, innovation, and local expertise. It ensures that Davao del Sur’s coffee industry is not just growing, but thriving, brewing a brighter future for farmers, consumers, and the nation. PR