The Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC) of 2024 highlighted the exceptional skills and dedication of Mindanao’s coffee farmers, with remarkable victories in both the Robusta and Arabica categories.
The awards were presented at the Philippine Coffee Expo (PCE) 2024, held on Sunday, June 9, at SPACE, One Ayala Mall in Makati City.
Arnel Morales from Davao del Sur emerged victorious in the Arabica category, earning the top spot with an impressive score of 84.95. Morales was also honored with a special award for best processing techniques in the natural process category for Arabica.
Manolito Garces from Bukidnon secured third place in the Arabica category with a score of 84.70, while Ylaine Joyce Giangan from Makilala, Cotabato, placed sixth with a score of 83.94.
In the Robusta category, four farmers from Senator Ninoy Aquino, known locally as Kulaman, in Sultan Kudarat, claimed the top spots. The Basco brothers, Rey John and Roan, achieved first and second place with scores of 86.45 and 86.43, respectively. Denz Bert Deramos and Orlando Bayudan took fifth and sixth places with scores of 84.85 and 84.68.
Rey John Basco was additionally recognized as the sole winner in the Robusta processing category for his natural processing method.
“This award represents a milestone not just for us, the dedicated coffee farmers, but it also serves to elevate the stature of Sultan Kudarat’s coffee on a broader scale. The accolade bestowed upon us by the PCQC is instrumental in broadening our market reach and promoting the distinct flavors of Soccsksargen’s coffee,” Rey John stated.
“Above all, this honor serves as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging a new generation of farmers to embrace the competition and strive for excellence in coffee production,” he added.
According to the 2021 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, Sultan Kudarat is the leading coffee-producing province in the Philippines, contributing 35 percent of the nation’s total coffee output.
The region is actively pursuing the title of “Coffee Capital of the Philippines” through the collaborative efforts of various agencies and local government units, including the Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat.
The PCQC is an annual event dedicated to identifying and promoting the finest coffees in the Philippines. It aims to encourage producers to improve their coffee quality and to showcase these exceptional coffees to both domestic and international markets. The competition is supported by the government, private sector, and donor-funded projects.
The event adheres to the grading and profiling protocols of the Coffee Quality Institute to evaluate and celebrate the highest quality coffees in the Philippines, thereby enhancing the reputation of Philippine coffee globally.