Coffee farmers from Negros Occidental province have topped the 2025 Western Visayas Regional Coffee Quality Competition organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), with Rogelio Claridad of Murcia town winning first place among the top five winners.
Claridad is a member of Doong Anangue Coffee Integrated Farmers Association, a group based in Barangay Buenavista being assisted by the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO) under the Integrated Social Forestry (ISF) Program.
In a statement on Monday, the PEMO congratulated the Negrense coffee farmers who excelled in the competition.
“The provincial government of Negros Occidental, through the PEMO, continues to support local farmers and people’s organizations in6 promoting high-quality coffee production across the province,” it said.
Claridad, who garnered a cupping score of 84.88 with his coffee rated as fine Robusta, is representing Region 6 in the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition in Manila, the winners of which will be announced next month.
The Murcia-based farmer only ranked fourth in the 2024 regional competition, but his improved performance through consistent application of proper harvesting and processing practices earned him first place this year.
Electo Villaster of Benejewan ISF Farmers Association in Don Salvador Benedicto town placed fourth with his entry also classified as fine Robusta, while Rey Malan of Tambara Forest Settlers Association in Talisay City, was among the 14 regional finalists for his entry recognized as premium coffee.
The second place went to Ben Flores of Barangay Mailum, Bago City, a member of the Friends of the Highlands Agrarian Reform Cooperative, affiliated with the Bago City Federation of Coffee Growers Associations Inc.
The winners were announced by the DTI-6 via Zoom on April 16.
“This recognition is a testament to Ben’s commitment to excellence in coffee production and the growing reputation of Bagonhon coffee in the region,” the City Agriculture Office said.
“It also reflects the city government’s continued thrust to revive and strengthen the local coffee industry by supporting farmers, enhancing quality standards, and promoting local products on broader platforms,” it added.*PNA