DIGOS CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR – In the face of climate challenges, rising costs, and fluctuating market demand, coffee growers in Davao del Sur and other parts of Mindanao are proving their resilience. A newly opened coffee center now offers them a powerful ally in their pursuit of excellence—the Regional Coffee Innovation Center & Museum (RCIC).
Officially inaugurated on February 20, the RCIC is a pioneering project by Davao del Sur State College (DSSC) designed to rejuvenate the local coffee sector. The center merges science, sustainability, and tradition to elevate coffee quality, improve farming practices, and foster innovation across the industry.
“This center is more than just infrastructure—it’s a vision for an empowered, sustainable, and culturally rich coffee community,” said Dr. Augie E. Fuentes, president of DSSC.
Funded with PHP 5 million under the 2022 General Appropriations Act, the RCIC includes a state-of-the-art coffee museum, training and cupping rooms, a café, and a sensory lab. Here, local growers can submit coffee bean samples for quality testing, helping them determine whether their harvest meets specialty grade standards—a classification that commands higher prices both locally and internationally.
“Many of our partner farmers already use good agricultural practices, which is why we’re seeing a rise in specialty-grade beans. This center helps validate and enhance that progress,” Fuentes added.
The RCIC also promotes experiential tourism through its “seed-to-cup” journey, where visitors can explore the entire coffee production process—from planting to tasting. According to RCIC head Dr. Regie Patagoc, the goal is to connect consumers to the stories and labor behind each cup of coffee.
“We want people to taste, appreciate, and understand the craftsmanship in every brew,” Patagoc shared.
Globally, over 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed daily, and the Philippines—with its rich soil and favorable climate—has the potential to become a major producer of premium beans. The Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Coffee Industry Roadmap 2021–2025 emphasizes sustainable practices and quality-driven production, goals that align with the mission of the RCIC.
With the center now operational, Davao del Sur is poised to become a driving force in the Philippine coffee scene, offering local farmers the tools, training, and exposure needed to thrive in both domestic and export markets—while preserving the region’s rich coffee-growing heritage.