TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat — The Department of Trade and Industry Region 12 (DTI 12) has once again shone the spotlight on the region’s finest coffee growers during the Kape Dose Coffee Quality Competition 2026, held on March 27 at the SK Convention Center in Tacurong City.
The annual event, which celebrates the dedication of local farmers and reaffirmed Region 12’s place as a stronghold of quality Philippine coffee.
In the Arabica category, Cotabato Province’s Ylaine Joyce Giangan emerged as champion with a score of 83.92. She was closely followed by Sultan Kudarat’s Ryan James Gacayan, who scored 83.17, and Rebecca Gacayan, who earned 82.42.
Meanwhile, Sultan Kudarat farmers dominated the Robusta division, with Jian Ambay securing the top spot with an impressive 86.03. Joseph Palmones placed second with 85.80, while Freddie Santiago Sr. finished third at 85.65.
Several other producers from the province also ranked among the Top 12, underscoring Sultan Kudarat’s consistent excellence in Robusta production.
Winners were rewarded with agricultural inputs to further strengthen their farms. The champion received ₱45,000 worth of supplies along with a monitoring device valued at ₱4,500. Second and third placers took home ₱39,000 and ₱36,000 worth of inputs, respectively, while consolation prizes were distributed to other participants.
DTI 12 emphasized that initiatives like Kape Dose are designed to enhance the competitiveness of the local coffee industry by promoting quality, recognizing excellence, and opening doors to greater market opportunities.
Beyond celebrating the region’s best beans, the competition also prepares winners for the prestigious Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC).
This year, DTI 12 will lead the implementation of PCQC 2026, which will be hosted for the first time in Sultan Kudarat.
The Sultan Kudarat State University Coffee Cupping Laboratory will serve as the primary venue for evaluation activities, including bean submissions from May 4 to 15, followed by green grading, roasting, and cupping from May 21 to 29.
The final cupping evaluation is set for June 2–3, with the awarding ceremony scheduled on June 5 at One Ayala Mall in Makati City during the Philippine Coffee Expo.
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