DA-11 turns over P1-M for coffee storage facility in Bansalan

The project aims to ensure coffee quality and available supply for marketing. 

In a turnover ceremony Wednesday (Jan. 18) in Davao City, DA 11 Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo said that the project is part of the intensified support of DA for the coffee farmers in Davao region.

“Coffee beans from the foothills of Mt. Apo are regarded as one of the best in the country and even made headlines for winning in the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC) since 2018 up to the present,” Monteagudo said.

With this project, local and international buyers increased which means there is a need to provide post harvest facilities to help coffee farmers meet the required quality and demand.

He said that postharvest facility determines the quality of coffee cherries as every step of postharvest activities can cause significant quality loss and lead to a lower market price.

The project, onced it is finished , will benefit the 197 members of Gagpang Alegre Potato Small Farmers Association (GAPSFA).

GAPSFA is currently practicing diversified farming with vegetables, potatoes, and coffee.

GAPSFA President Carlito Palangya said that the project, which is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2024, would be a big help for the coffee community to run their business and adhere to the quality standards and protocol.

Based on Philippine National Standards (PNS) for coffee cherries and beans, dried coffee beans shall be placed in a well-constructed warehouse to keep the moisture content sufficiently low and consistent with local conditions.

Bansalan Municipal Agriculturist Zaldy Sumangil, for his part, has assured the agency that the LGU together with its Municipal Agri-Fishery Council (MAFC) will proactively participate in the validation activities and assist the farmer-beneficiaries to ensure the success of the project.