Bacolod: Coffee farmers from Negros Occidental province have emerged victorious in the 2025 Western Visayas Regional Coffee Quality Competition organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), with Rogelio Claridad of Murcia town securing first place among the top five winners. Claridad is part of the Doong Anangue Coffee Integrated Farmers Association, a group based in Barangay Buenavista that receives support from the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO) under the Integrated Social Forestry (ISF) Program.
According to Philippines News Agency, the PEMO expressed its congratulations to the Negrense coffee farmers who excelled in the competition. The provincial government of Negros Occidental, through the PEMO, continues to support local farmers and people's organizations in promoting high-quality coffee production across the province. Claridad achieved a cupping score of 84.88 with his coffee classified as fine Robusta, and he will represent Region 6 in the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition in Manila, with winners to be announced next month.
Claridad improved his standing from fourth place in the 2024 regional competition to first this year by consistently applying proper harvesting and processing practices. Electo Villaster of Benejewan ISF Farmers Association in Don Salvador Benedicto town placed fourth with his entry also classified as fine Robusta, while Rey Malan of Tambara Forest Settlers Association in Talisay City was among the 14 regional finalists, recognized for his premium coffee entry.
Second place in the competition went to Ben Flores of Barangay Mailum, Bago City, a member of the Friends of the Highlands Agrarian Reform Cooperative, affiliated with the Bago City Federation of Coffee Growers Associations Inc. The DTI-6 announced the winners via Zoom on April 16.
The City Agriculture Office noted that this recognition is a testament to Ben's commitment to excellence in coffee production and the growing reputation of Bagonhon coffee in the region. It also reflects the city government's continued efforts to revive and strengthen the local coffee industry by supporting farmers, enhancing quality standards, and promoting local products on broader platforms.
