Negros occidental: Negros Occidental's provincial government continues to explore the growing potential of coffee as an economic driver, with initiatives focusing on developing distinctive, sustainably grown Negrense coffee. A major supporter of the three-day 2026 Negros Island Coffee Fiesta, which runs until Aug. 9 at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central here, the provincial government showcases locally grown coffee that reflects the talent, dedication, and resilience of its coffee farmers and coffee enthusiasts.
According to Philippines News Agency, coffee species grown in Negros Occidental include Robusta, Arabica, Liberica, and Excelsa, which are marketed as ground coffee, fresh cherries, dried cherries, green coffee beans, and roasted beans. As of 2026, the province has a coffee production area of 2,129.38 hectares and 2,034 farmers, based on the areas and status validated by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) and the Provincial Environment and Management Office (PEMO).
There are 889,303 coffee-bearing trees and 752,090 non-bearing trees grown in the province, data showed. Fresh cherry production has reached 251,429.15 kg. and green coffee beans, 7,330.85 kg. In Negros Occidental, the top coffee-producing local government units are Cadiz City, with 659.76 hectares; Sipalay City, 621.47 hectares; La Castellana, 403.65 hectares; Kabankalan City, 123.52 hectares; and La Carlota City, 105.835 hectares.
The PEMO is assisting coffee farmers under its Integrated Social Forestry (ISF) Program, among them regional coffee quality competition winner Rogelio Claridad of Murcia and outstanding ISF farmer Mary Paraso of Don Salvador Benedicto. The Department of Agriculture - Philippine Rural Development Program is also providing assistance to four organizations in Negros Occidental.
These are the Chicks Area Coffee Processing and Marketing Enterprise in Sipalay City, which has a production area of 400 hectares, with a project cost of PHP14.99 million; Cadiz City Coffee Processing and Marketing, 110.56 hectares, PHP14.99 million; Kape Primera de La Castellana Coffee Processing and Marketing Enterprise in La Castellana town, 259.40 hectares, PHP13.85 million; and Ara-al Coffee Processing and Marketing Enterprise in La Carlota City, 255 hectares, PHP14.99 million.
'Our goal is to develop a productive, climate-resilient, quality-driven, and market-oriented coffee industry that increases farmer income and establishes Negros Occidental as a recognized source of distinctive and sustainably produced Philippine coffee,' OPA head Dina Genzola said in her presentation on the province's coffee situation. As part of the strategies, she said Negros Occidental is updating the Provincial Coffee Industry Roadmap, strengthening the production and distribution of quality planting materials, and establishing coffee learning farms and technology demonstration sites.
Along with the push to develop the 'Negros Occidental Coffee' identity, the province is working to strengthen farmer capacity and extension services, improve post-harvest facilities and coffee quality, support organic and sustainable coffee production, and strengthen research, innovation, partnerships, and collaborations. The 2026 Negros Island Coffee Fiesta is also supported by the Department of Trade and Industry, working closely with the main organizer Negros Occidental Coffee Council.
'Building on the momentum of the past two years, we anticipate welcoming an even larger crowd of coffee enthusiasts and gathering higher sales for our exhibitors. The Coffee Fiesta has truly become an annual highlight that our coffee community eagerly anticipates. The success shows the strong synergy among the stakeholders,' DTI-Negros Occidental provincial director Lynna Joy Cardinal told the Philippine News Agency on Saturday. Themed 'Brewing Progress Together,' the event's third edition gathers more than 30 exhibitors comprising homegrown caf©s, coffee producers, roasters, and artisans.
