The province of Sultan Kudarat recently held three major coffee events, further establishing itself as a hub for agri-industry and international collaboration.
In line with its global thrust, the province co-hosted the International Coffee Innovation Summit 2025, the Southeast Asia (SEA) Green Coffee Competition, and the Philippine Coffee Roasting Competition. These events were simultaneously held from October 5–9 at the Sultan Kudarat Convention Center in Tacurong City.
The gatherings brought together coffee farmers, processors, and buyers from across Asia—including Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, China, Laos, Myanmar, and the Philippines—for a vibrant exchange of innovation, quality, and coffee culture.
Governor Datu Pax Ali S. Mangudadatu said the events align with the province’s vision of being open not only to the country but also to the world. He expressed pride in hosting the International Coffee Innovation Summit, noting its potential to boost Sultan Kudarat’s coffee industry.
He also announced plans to introduce processing centers, warehouses, and farm-to-market roads across all coffee-producing areas in the province, emphasizing that coffee will be a priority program.
Filipino Coffee Institute (FCI) President Ramon Jerry Cabalse described the summit as a celebration of passion, skill, and innovation in the coffee industry.
“This summit is not just an event. It’s a tribute to the journey of coffee and its pivotal role in the Philippine coffee sector,” he said.
Cabalse also highlighted the SEA Green Coffee Competition, which showcased the finest Arabica, Robusta, Excelsa, and Liberica coffees from ASEAN countries.
“These varieties are now in the spotlight right here in the Philippines, in the heart of Philippine coffee—Sultan Kudarat,” he added.
Sultan Kudarat once again proved its excellence in Robusta coffee, with Roan Basco from Senator Ninoy Aquino town clinching the Top 1 spot in the Robusta category. Joining him in the Top 12 were fellow Sultan Kudarat farmers Orlando Bayudan (Top 6), Rey John Basco (Top 9), and Denz Bert Deramos (Top 12), underscoring the province’s growing reputation in the international coffee scene.
The competition also celebrated excellence in other coffee varieties across Southeast Asia. Vietnam emerged as the Liberica champion, while Thailand took top honors in the Arabica category.
The 2025 Philippine Coffee Roasting Competition brought together the country’s finest roasters to showcase innovation and excellence in Philippine coffee. Bruce Bryan Rubio from Bukidnon was named champion.
These events served as a prelude to the highly anticipated Kalimudan Festival 2025, scheduled for November 19–22. With the theme “The World Meets Sultan Kudarat,” the festival aims to showcase local talent, artistry, and products on the global stage through world-class festivities.
The Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat partnered with FCI, Specialty Coffee Depot, Sultan Kudarat State University, Department of Agriculture Region 12, and Department of Trade and Industry Region 12 to bring these events to life.
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