The local government of Cagayan de Oro is mulling putting up an International Coffee Research and Development Center that will serve as a hub to boost the coffee industry in Mindanao.

According to the Cagayan de Oro Trade and Investment Promotions Center (ORO TIPC), the city has a significant potential to bolster the coffee industry as there are vast agricultural lands in its hinterland barangays.

The city wants to establish the center in Barangay Dansolihon.

“Diri lang ang center, diri lang ibutang ang development, pero mag-service ta anywhere in Mindanao because the biggest coffee producing region is in Mindanao, to be specific sa Sultan Kudarat,” ORO TIPC Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Officer, John Asuncion, said.

Recently, the city hosted the Philippine Coffee Roasting Competition spearheaded by the Philippine Coffee Institute, Department of Agriculture, and ORO TIPC.

The event was participated by coffee roasters from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Coffee roasting experts from different countries were invited as judges in the competition.

“Ingon ana ang level nga atong gidala diri sa Cagayan de Oro kay gusto nato i-angat ang atoang industry standard sa mga kape,” Asuncion added.

The local government is hopeful that the city will be able to produce quality coffee that will open more opportunities for coffee farmers in the city.