Fifteen coffee growers from Barangay Poblacion wrapped up a three-day training on coffee grading and processing held from May 8 to 10, aimed at sharpening their skills and improving the quality of local coffee production.
Facilitated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)–Apayao in partnership with the Provincial Government of Apayao (PGA) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Calanasan, said training focused on practical methods in farm management, roasting, grading, and cupping.
Jeffrey Bartolome of the Provincial Office of Agricultural Services (POAS) discussed foundational practices in farm upkeep and stressed the importance of healthy plantations in producing quality beans. He also encouraged farmers to explore the government’s coffee rejuvenation program to improve productivity.
In another session, Joel Parugrug of POAS led a hands-on demonstration of traditional roasting techniques, guiding participants through the nuances of grinding and brewing. Farmers were introduced to the taste differences between medium and dark roasts as well as skills essential to aligning their product with market demands.
Mariel Kate Gannawa from DTI–Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) focused on green bean grading. Her session zeroed in on identifying defects and improving post-harvest handling, a step many agreed is often overlooked but crucial to ensuring consistency and competitiveness.
The training culminated with a site visit to Barangay Ninoy Aquino Jr., where participants saw firsthand the impact of rejuvenated coffee trees. Many expressed interest in replicating the techniques on their own farms.
Organizers say this is only the beginning as the province continues to invest in capacity-building for local growers to elevate Apayao’s standing in the regional coffee industry. By Diocen Tolentino
