From January to June 2025, the Philippine Coffee Board Inc. (PCBI) has led productive activities that strengthened old partnerships and formed new ones–from offering coffee classes, giving trainings, getting invited to events, and spearheading barista competitions here and abroad.
Here’s a summary of what we did and who supported us to promote local coffee and local talent:
January
25
A Living and Prosperous Income workshop was held at the UP School of Economics. The International Coffee Organization’s (ICO) Coffee Public Private Task Force sought the assistance of the ASEAN Coffee Federation (ACF) to provide this workshop to its member countries. The Philippines invited various groups. From farmers groups, corporate, government, and the academe, it became a multi-sectoral approach for the coffee sector.
26-27
PCBI Directors Alejandro “Andy” Mojica and Rene Tongson welcomed Apl de Ap at the coconut and coffee demo farm in Amadeo, Cavite. PCBI and PCA Region 4A started the demo farm last year to show how coffee and coconut can thrive together and be replicated in various parts of the country.
February
3
A Memorandum of Understanding between the Philippine Coconut Authority and the Philippine Coffee Board was held in Quezon City. Ambassador of the program, Apl de Ap, also signed and gave a mini-concert to the attendees.
4
The National Finals for the ASEAN Barista Team Championship (ABTC) 2025 was held at Enderun Colleges. Team Tablo (Champion from NCR) and Team Davao’s Finest (1st Runner-Up from Mindanao) won and represented the Philippines at the ABTC in Bangkok.
25
UP Open University invited PCBI to offer Philippine coffee to its International Symposium on ASEAN Studies guests.
March
5
The 2025 1st board meeting of the ACF Directors was held in Bangkok
6-7
At the 5th ABTC, Team Tablo advanced to the quarterfinals. Team Davao’s Finest was 9th out of the 18 teams that competed
14
PCAF National Sectoral Committee on Coffee was held online
23
GCash Eco Run was held at the Ayala Triangle. Lots of people lined up for coffee at the PCBI booth.
25-26
Jancy Kilayko gave a two-day coffee processing workshop in Dingle, Iloilo
27
Alaska Professional invited PCBI at WOFEX Drink+Bakes. Alaska bought local coffee which Jancy used for his demo.
April
8
PCBI was interviewed by FEATR media for its feature on local coffee. Erwan Heusaff talked with PCBI’s Chairwoman Chit Juan and Director Andy Mojica
24-25
Ms. Chit Juan was keynote speaker at the International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA) Breakfast. Tickets were sold out.
27
PCBI Technical Director Robert Francisco was invited by the Philippine Consulate in Jedah to talk about Philippine Coffee. The talk was given to celebrate Filipino Food Month.
May
17
World of Coffee was held in Jakarta and was attended by PCBI President Jerduen “Noi” Dongor and Directors Manny Torrejon, Andy Mojica, Rosario Juan, and Technical Consultant Professor Val Macanes. They were also invited by ACF friends in Jember where they learned and shared best farming practices.
27
Coffee Farm Establishment and Maintenance class of Dr. Andy Mojica
June
5
At PCBI’s Coffee Technology Center, directors inked a deal with the Boy Scouts of the Philippines and taught them how to properly plant coffee. Seedlings were planted beside coconuts and its other companion trees. It is the first of many coffee planting nationwide.
11
The 4th MAFBEX Latte Art Throwdown had 48 participants. Winners were given cash plus prizes from Breville Philippines, Blu Coffee Distributors, and Alaska Professional.
13
Jancy Kilayko gave a demo on Local Coffee, Local Flavors at the booth of Alaska Professional. They also bought local coffee from PCBI.
In between these activities are our roasting classes and coffee farm tours.
