South Cotabato, Philippines | January 28, 2026 – One of the primary mandates of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. in this initial year is the intensified development of the coffee industry in the province, recognizing it as a vital sector for the livelihood of local farmers.
In response, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg), led by Dr. Raul D. Teves, continues to promote the establishment of a comprehensive coffee database to properly profile and organize coffee farmers, enabling them to become active participants in the DAGYAW Program, where coffee and cacao are priority commodities.
DAGYAW program also known as Development on Agriculture Growth Yearning for the Active Welfare of South Cotabato, seeks to establish collaboration between partner agencies and the Provincial Government of South Cotabato through OPAg.
“The initiative aims to secure support and commitment from partner agencies for the development of coffee, cacao, and abaca as key commodities,” Dr. Teves said.
The program addresses infrastructure, technology, market access, sustainability, and support services to boost agricultural growth.
“Resources and assistance from partner agencies are aligned with their mandates to create an effective strategy, benefiting farmers and fisherfolk in South Cotabato,” he explained.
This January, the OPAg, through Marites Gumbao, Coffee and Cacao Focal person, began validating coffee farm areas in Koronadal Proper and Polomolok as part of the provincial coffee profiling initiative.
“The health of crops, farm conditions, and production levels are also being closely monitored to ensure the effective implementation of programs,” Gumbao stressed.
Coffee farmers Lyn A. Sirag and Dajaran Adtogan expressed their supported and cooperation to strengthen coffee production in this part of the country.
Dennis Cocoba—a coffee farmer, roaster, and coffee enthusiast—who is also an OPAg partner who actively guides farmers in proper production, roasting, and cupping, is ready to help enhance quality and increase the market value of local coffee.
“The private sector is very much willing to build a more resilient, high-quality, and sustainable coffee industry and agricultural sector for the progress of South Cotabato,” Cocoba said.
Recently, 45 organic coffee farmers from Barangay Desawo received essential farm inputs as part of the Farmers’ Field School (FFS) graduation on Organic Coffee Production and Nursery Management.
The Department of Agriculture regional office provided support to OPAG’s Organic Program.
Last year, the municipal government of Tampakan planted coffee plants as part of its greening program.
South Cotabato accounted for a production area of 2,559.5 hectares of land planted with coffee for the year 2025.
