In the 1980s, Bukidnon earned its reputation as the coffee capital of the Philippines. Its beans, known for their exceptional quality, were in high demand both locally and abroad, fetching premium prices. However, fluctuating global coffee prices and economic challenges led to a steady decline in the province’s coffee industry over time. Farmers were unable to sustain their livelihoods and turned to more profitable crops, which is why Bukidnon’s coffee industry faded into the background.
Now, more than three decades later, the province is working to rebuild its once-thriving coffee sector. With strategic government support, renewed investments, and a shift toward specialty coffee production, Bukidnon is slowly but surely regaining its position as a key player in the global coffee market.
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The Rise and Fall
Bukidnon’s coffee industry was once a cornerstone of its economy. However, as coffee prices dropped, many farmers found it difficult to continue growing the crop. Anecita Lumigoy, a coffee farmer from the region, recalls how their family switched from coffee to corn: “We cut our coffee trees for corn because the price of coffee couldn’t meet our daily needs,” she said. This change was not isolated; it was a common story across the province, with many farmers abandoning coffee for other, more profitable crops.
As coffee production dwindled, Bukidnon’s once-thriving industry was left in a shadow of its former self.
The Road to Recovery
In 2010, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) launched a series of initiatives to revive Bukidnon’s coffee industry. DTI-Bukidnon partnered with local farmers and various business development service providers to implement programs designed to improve coffee farming practices and promote sustainable business models.
One key initiative was the creation of Shared Service Facilities (SSFs), which provided farmers with access to modern equipment and improved processing techniques. The Small and Medium Enterprises Roving Academy (SMERA) also played a crucial role by training farmers to view coffee farming as a business rather than a mere backyard endeavor. These interventions helped Bukidnon’s farmers regain confidence in their coffee crops, and by 2015, the industry was beginning to show signs of recovery. That year, coffee sales from the province reached PHP25.82 million, with over a thousand farmer-beneficiaries benefiting from the renewed efforts.
A Shift to ‘Specialty Coffee’
A critical turning point in Bukidnon’s coffee revival came with the province's focus on specialty coffee. In 2015, a partnership between ACDI/VOCA, DTI-Bukidnon, and coffee experts from the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) led to the training of more than 40 local farmers. These farmers were educated on high-quality coffee production, post-harvest processing, and the international standards required for specialty coffee.
This focus on quality over quantity allowed Bukidnon’s coffee to stand out in a crowded market. Farmers, now well-equipped with knowledge and certification, began producing beans that met the rigorous demands of the specialty coffee market. As a result, Bukidnon has positioned itself as a competitive player in the global coffee scene.
From Bukidnon to the World
As the quality of Bukidnon’s coffee improves, so does its reputation. In February 2025, representatives from U.S.-based Biggby Coffee visited Bukidnon to explore potential sourcing opportunities. This growing international interest signals the increasing recognition of Bukidnon as a producer of high-quality coffee beans that meet the global demand for specialty coffee.
Bukidnon’s coffee industry is on a steady path to recovery. The province is rebuilding its reputation as one of the Philippines ' top coffee producers through government support, innovative farming practices, and a renewed emphasis on specialty coffee. With the right mix of local and international partnerships, Bukidnon is not only reviving its coffee industry but positioning itself to meet the growing global demand for coffee.
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