NEGROS Occidental’s provincial government continues to explore the growing potential of coffee as an economic driver, with initiatives focusing on developing distinctive, sustainably grown Negrense coffee.
A major supporter of the three-day 2026 Negros Island Coffee Fiesta, which ran until August 9 in Bacolod City, the provincial government showcased locally grown coffee that reflects the talent, dedication, and resilience of its coffee farmers and coffee enthusiasts.
“Events like the Coffee Fiesta provide opportunities for learning, collaboration, innovation, and market development while promoting greater appreciation for locally grown coffee,” Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said in his message on Friday.
He added: “I’m optimistic that the annual celebration will continue to showcase the excellence of Negrense coffee while advancing the shared vision of establishing Negros Occidental as a recognized destination for quality coffee and coffee tourism.”
According to the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), coffee species grown in Negros Occidental include Robusta, Arabica, Liberica, and Excelsa, which are marketed as ground coffee, fresh cherries, dried cherries, green coffee beans, and roasted beans.
As of 2026, the province has a coffee production area of 2,129.38 hectares and 2,034 farmers, based on the areas and status validated by the OPA and the Provincial Environment and Management Office (PEMO).
There are 889,303 coffee-bearing trees and 752,090 non-bearing trees grown in the province, data showed.
Fresh cherry production has reached 251,429.15 kilograms (kg) and green coffee beans, 7,330.85 kg.
In Negros Occidental, the top coffee-producing local government units are Cadiz City, with 659.76 hectares; Sipalay City, 621.47 hectares; La Castellana, 403.65 hectares; Kabankalan City, 123.52 hectares; and La Carlota City, 105.835 hectares.
The PEMO is assisting coffee farmers under its Integrated Social Forestry (ISF) Program, among them regional coffee quality competition winner Rogelio Claridad of Murcia and outstanding ISF farmer Mary Paraso of Don Salvador Benedicto.
The Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Program is also providing assistance to four organizations in Negros Occidental.
These are the Chicks Area Coffee Processing and Marketing Enterprise in Sipalay City, which has a production area 400 hectares, with a project cost of P14.99 million; Cadiz City Coffee Processing and Marketing, 110.56 hectares, P14.99 million; Kape Primera de La Castellana Coffee Processing and Marketing Enterprise in La Castellana town, 259.40 hectares, P13.85 million; and Ara-al Coffee Processing and Marketing Enterprise in La Carlota City, 255 hectares, P14.99 million.
“Our goal is to develop a productive, climate-resilient, quality-driven, and market-oriented coffee industry that increases farmer income and establishes Negros Occidental as a recognized source of distinctive and sustainably produced Philippine coffee,” OPA head Dina Genzola said in her presentation on the province’s coffee situation.
As part of the strategies, she said Negros Occidental is updating the Provincial Coffee Industry Roadmap, strengthening the production and distribution of quality planting materials, and establishing coffee learning farms and technology demonstration sites.
Along with the push to develop the “Negros Occidental Coffee” identity, the province is working to strengthen farmer capacity and extension services, improve post-harvest facilities and coffee quality, support organic and sustainable coffee production, and strengthen research, innovation, partnerships, and collaborations.
The 2026 Negros Island Coffee Fiesta is also supported by the Department of Trade and Industry, working closely with the main organizer Negros Occidental Coffee Council.
“Building on the momentum of the past two years, we anticipate welcoming even larger crowd of coffee enthusiasts and gathering higher sales for our exhibitors. The Coffee Fiesta has truly become an annual highlight that our coffee community eagerly anticipates. The success shows the strong synergy among the stakeholders,” DTI-Negros Occidental provincial director Lynna Joy Cardinal told the Philippine News Agency on Saturday.
Themed “Brewing Progress Together,” the event’s third edition gathered more than 30 exhibitors comprising homegrown cafés, coffee producers, roasters, and artisans. (PNA)
