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It could be a big dream, but definitely not an impossible one, as the Philippine coffee industry is aiming to achieve self-sufficiency in the aromatic bean production by the year 2015. And when this is achieved, it will save the country by up to P3.5 billion from annual imports of the beans.

This is in following the agreement signed between the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine Coffee Board (PCB) chaired by Pacita Juan. From the signing of the agreement, Juan reported of the successful partners’ meetings which were held in Cavite, Benguet, Bukidnon, and most recently in Bago City, Negros Occidental.

The meetings, which were attended by high value commercial corps (HVCC) regional directors of DA, provincial agricultural officers and NGOs engaged in coffee production aligned the Pilipinas! Gumising at Magkape! (PGAM) program in each region’s coffee rehabilitation plans.

Because of their initiative, PCB and DA were able to unite all farmers from 16 regions to pursue the vision of sustainability in coffee through organic farming.  In their efforts, Juan said that PCB members, together with HVCC Director Rene Rafael Espino travelled across the country to reinvigorate farmers on coffee production and marketing.

“The attendance to the partners and stakeholders meetings were very encouraging. We are in touch with farmers groups who have expressed their need for technical assistance and our Coffee Board members heeded their calls,” Juan said.

As part of their program, coffee experts has given hands-on training to farmers. These trainings were attended by PCB trustees Joel Lumagbas from Nestle and Dr. Andy Mojica from the academe. This PGAM program is now on its second phase, which is now covering farms undergoing rehabilitation or new plantings come June 2009. Those who are interested to be part of this program may reach PCB at philcoffeeboard@gmail.com or through cell phone number 09155767886.