To boost local coffee production, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) distributed 1,000 coffee seedlings to the Capinitan Ug-ugbo Farmers’ Association in the upland town of Sabangan on February 19, 2024.
The provision of seedlings worth Php 50,000 aligns with the association’s long-term goal of improving coffee yields and expanding the cultivated area for high-quality coffee production in the region.
“This initiative is part of our commitment to help farmers improve their productivity and income. By providing quality planting materials and continuous technical support, we aim to strengthen the association’s capacity to sustain and expand their coffee production,” said Ronan M. Soriano, DA- SAAD CAR Assistant Operations Officer.
The DA-SAAD CAR Team together with Municipal Agriculture Office staff Claire Focasan facilitated the delivery of the seedlings.
Focasan advised the farmers to subject the plants to a one to two weeks hardening process to maximize survival and promote robust growth. This step is crucial in preparing the young plants to withstand environmental stresses such as fluctuating temperatures, strong winds, and varying soil conditions.
Sabangan, known for its favorable climate and elevation, has the potential to produce high-quality Arabica coffee. With the DA-SAAD CAR’s continued support, farmer-beneficiaries are optimistic that this intervention will contribute to increased productivity and sustainability of their coffee enterprise.
Aside from providing seedlings, the program also supports farmers through technical assistance, training, and additional resources to improve farm management and post-harvest practices. For the first quarter of the year, the association is set to undergo specialized training on coffee pest and disease management, supplementing their knowledge on coffee farm production to ensure the proper care and maintenance of their crops.
The Capinitan Ug-ugbo Farmers’ Association expressed their gratitude for the support, recognizing it as a vital step toward strengthening their livelihoods for a stable income source among their members.
“Agpaspasalamat kami ditoy tulong nga inted ti SAAD. Daytoy nga project ti tumulong kanyami nga mangiamammo iti kape ditoy Capinitan nga haan lang nga tumulong kadakami nga farmers nu di ket pati ditoy kumonidad mi,” said the association’s Secretary Angelita Tampic.
(We are grateful for SAAD’s assistance. This project will help us introduce the coffee of Capinitan which benefits not just us farmers but also our community.)
With continued dedication and proper management, the association hopes to contribute to the region’s reputation as a producer of quality Cordilleran coffee. ###
