Pagudpud: An Indigenous Peoples (IP) community in Barangay Saguigui, Pagudpud has embarked on roasting its own unique coffee blend and is gearing up for production expansion this year, as confirmed by provincial officials.
According to Philippines News Agency, Joegie Jimenez, the environment representative of the Ilocos Norte government, announced the development of an additional 100 hectares of coffee plantation in the area. This expansion is in addition to the existing 100-hectare project initiated years ago under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources' National Greening Program (NGP).
Jimenez highlighted the collaboration between the provincial government of Ilocos Norte's environment and natural resources office and local community stakeholders. This partnership aims to promote sustainable livelihood opportunities through this coffee production initiative. The project receives support from various governmental departments, including the Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry, and Department of Science and Technology (DOST), along with the provincial and municipal governments, in collaboration with the IP community.
The initiative has been bolstered by the efforts of Barangay Ranger Officers who have been instrumental in maintaining the coffee plantations. These plantations, which grow a variety of coffee types such as Arabica, Excelsa, and Liberica, are now nearing harvest. To enhance product quality, a coffee roasting machine donated by DOST was tested on January 25. Additionally, the Department of Agriculture has pledged funds for the establishment of a processing facility, nursery, and solar drier.
Mayor Rafael Ralph Benemerito noted that there are up to 500 hectares available for further coffee development in Saguigui, driven by strong market demand. In 2021, the Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) allocated PHP3 million to rejuvenate coffee growing in the province's lowland and hilly areas, aligning with the government's NGP and aiming to boost local livelihoods.
