Bukidnon tribe's arabica coffee gets nearly P98-M boost from World Bank

A P97.91-million investment under a World Bank-funded initiative is expected to boost the coffee industry in the Daraghuyan Ancestral Domain in Bukidnon, which is known for its award-winning arabica coffee beans.

The Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP) of the Department of Agriculture will provide agricultural infrastructure, enterprise development, and water and irrigation investments for the tribe’s coffee industry.

“These investments are intended to sustainably increase agricultural productivity, resilience, and access to markets and services. The Daraghuyan Indigenous community has demonstrated strong potential in the coffee industry, and its wholehearted cooperation has helped make these interventions possible,” said MIADP Project Director Macario Gonzaga in a statement.

The MIADP initiative seeks to improve farm-to-market access, post-harvest handling, processing capacity, and access to essential agricultural services.

Together with the local government of Malaybalay, the initiative funds P51M for two road projects, P17.6M for irrigation, P14.76M for coffee processing and marketing, P10.45M for a warehouse and drying area, and P4.1M for a clean water system.

The Sitio Damitan–Sitio Ulanguhon road is over 65% complete, and bidding review is underway for the Sitio Ulanguhon–Sitio Suopon section, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.

“With improved infrastructure and enterprise support, MIADP seeks to help translate the community's coffee quality into stronger market access and more sustainable livelihood opportunities for Indigenous farmers,” the DA said. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BM, GMA News

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