On August 30, 2023, industry leaders, researchers, and government representatives gathered at the Davao Convention and Trade Center for a groundbreaking workshop called “Brewing Knowledge: Workshop on Co-Creating a Coffee Curriculum and Knowledge Hub”—a major step forward for the coffee industry in Davao Region. In addition to important government and business representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry-Davao de Oro, DOST-Davao de Oro, Davao Coffee Council XI, Nestle, PURGE, NLAC, CBEA, TACOFA, and PIFA, the event brought together a wide range of stakeholders from academic institutions such as Davao de Oro State College, Davao del Norte State College, University of the Philippines-Mindanao, and Ateneo de Davao University.

With an emphasis on developing a standardized curriculum to improve coffee production, processing, and marketing skills throughout the region, the collaborative workshop sought to create a comprehensive coffee education program and a centralized knowledge resource.

Dr. Emmanuel V. Garcia, Director of La Salle Food and Water Institute, highlighted the importance of collaboration, and by bringing together academics, industry professionals, and government agencies, creating a robust network that can drive the coffee sector forward—also featured presentation on the Regional Coffee Network Proposal by Mr. Jupite Mark U. Banayag, the Director of Research and Development Division and discussions on the different phases of the project.

As the workshop concluded, participants expressed profound optimism about the Davao Region’s coffee industry potential, positioning the region to become a significant global coffee market player through a groundbreaking initiative expected to transform local economic landscapes by increasing production, elevating quality standards, and expanding market opportunities for regional coffee producers (by Eric Palmerola).