Iligan City —Edelyn Dales, a local coffee farmer supported by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), won the top prize in the 12th Mindanao Cup Tasters Competition’s 4th Elimination Round (Provincial Level) held on March 1.

Dales, representing the Somiorang Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative, triumphed over 17 other participants to claim the champion’s title.

Organized by the Filipino Bar Professionals and Innovators Association, Inc./Mindanao Specialty Coffee Community, the event celebrates Lanao del Norte’s unique coffee scene. It brings together local farmers, baristas, and coffee enthusiasts to showcase their skills in identifying and appreciating different coffee flavors.

“It’s an incredible honor, and I’m so grateful for all the support from DTI and the coffee community here. This is just the beginning for us—our coffee has so much potential, and I’m proud to show it to the world.” Dales said.

Dales and other provincial winners will compete in the 12th Mindanao Cup Tasters Competition Finals during the Philippine Coffee Expo from May 9 to 11.

Coffee is one of the DTI’s priority industry clusters. The Philippine Coffee Industry Roadmap— a joint initiative by the DTI, the Department of Agriculture (DA), and key stakeholders—aims to boost local coffee production, improve market access, and enhance competitiveness. Recognizing coffee’s economic potential, the roadmap outlines strategies to address industry challenges and strengthen the value chain.

Key priorities include private sector investment, data-driven decision-making, domestic promotion, direct farmer partnerships, and enhanced research and development. The DTI supports micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and farmers through programs like One Town One Product (OTOP) Philippines, Shared Service Facility (SSF), and digital market integration to scale up businesses and expand their reach.

With a target of 2 metric tons per hectare and 40% self-sufficiency by 2026, the roadmap serves as a blueprint for a sustainable and globally competitive Philippine coffee industry. ♦

Date of release: 20 March 2025

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