DAVAO CITY –– As the demand for cacao and coffee surges not only within the Philippines but also globally, Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao, Leo Tereso Magno, is exploring ways in which the national government can support cacao and coffee producers in enhancing their production.
During a consultation with stakeholders at the Davao Food and Wine Festival held at the Seda Hotel on Wednesday, October 11, Secretary Magno underscored that cacao and coffee farmers in the region currently produce 20,000 metric tons annually. However, this falls far short of the demand, which hovers around 120,000 metric tons from Filipino consumers.
“The Philippines is the number one coffee consumer in Asia and ranks fourth globally. Yet, we have a scarcity of coffee plantations within the Philippines. We only produce 20,000 metric tons annually while Filipinos consume 120,000 metric tons yearly. This industry requires support not only from the private sector but also from the government,” Secretary Magno emphasized.
Magno expressed his intention to collaborate with cacao and coffee farmers to provide assistance to the industry. He is scheduled to meet with representatives from these sectors to discuss ways in which the government can contribute to the industry’s growth.
“We hope to find common ground to ensure the continued growth of this industry,” Magno said.
The Davao Food and Wine Festival, Coffee and Cacao experience, will continue until October 14.
