"Agyaman kami… kin ikarkararag mi nga adu pay kuma ti maturungan… (Thank you … and we pray that more people could be helped."


This was the gratitude response of Cordillera Administrative Region's (CAR) coffee growers in receiving the postharvest facilities for processing Arabica and Robusta coffee during the turn-over ceremony in the Supreme Hotel, Baguio City on July 19, 2015.


Among the recipients are the Sadsadan Advocates for Social Development from Bauko, Mt. Province, Bag-ayan Bakidan Indigenous Peoples Organization, Inc. from Daguioman, Abra, LGU of Calanasan, Apayao, Hinluyasirib Arabica Producers and Roasters Cooperative from Kaingan, Ifugao and Tuba Benguet Coffee Growers Association, Inc. from Tuba, Benguet.


Distributed technologies include coffee pulpers (rubber or steel bib), hullers (rubber or steel), moisture meters, roaster machines, grinders, multi-purpose grains solar speed trays, super grain bags and rolls of UV plastic.


For the recipients the waiting was over for the development of coffee industry in the region. Nancy A. Bantog, assistant regional director for Technical Services of DOST reiterated this point, "The fruit of our patience came true. Finally…at long last… this is it!"


With this, Dr. Bantog related how the coffee growers got organized and how the proposals for the postharvest facilities were crafted two years ago. Also, she said the coming together of the different agencies "solidifies the commitment of the government" to help coffee growers.


PHilMech Deputy Director Raul R. Paz recognized the role of partnership among coffee growers, local government units, DA-CAR and DOST-CAR in promoting organic agriculture and in making coffee of CAR a viable enterprise and a sustainable industry. Activities that are being conducted are towards the improvement of the coffee industry in the area.


Director Paz cited organic coffee as one commodity being promoted by the National Organic Agriculture Program. He said, "The need to promote organic agricultural products (such as coffee) is for the betterment of the consumers. (It is) for safety and healthy consumption of food. It contributes to the preservation of the environment because of the use of nonchemical inputs. (Lastly,) it poses a good opportunity for meeting the demand of the market for organic products."


Dr. Bantog also emphasized, "(The turn-over) is not the end but it is the beginning of challenges. Karkaro kanyayo nga (More so to you), organizations. Why challenges? Because you are already given the responsibility to ensure that these equipment will be operational and would produce profit and employment. It is a start where all members of your organization should work hand in hand harmoniously. Daytoy kit haan nga mangdivide (This should not divide you) but it will bind you together to achieve the objectives we have set. "


In accepting the technologies and in response of the recipients to the challenge, Bauko, Mt. Province Mayor Abraham B. Akilit said, “Kung walang tulungan, walang progreso (If we don’t help each other, there is no progress).” He further reiterated that coffee as a product is not only a sustainable crop, but promises good investment returns. He sees the coffee plantations in the mountains as good attraction for tourism and as good protection to their forests and watershed.


For other recipients, they gave their commitment to make the technologies they have received operational and profitable. Accordingly they said, “Since much is given, much is expected.”