Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Philippine Center for Postharvest
Development and Mechanization
CLSU Compound, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija

SUCCESS STORIES

Luisito Fabrigas and the Robusta Coffee Processing System
by Mila B. Gonzalez (March 12, 2015)
Mr. Luisito Fabrigas of Dipaculao, Aurora started with the traditional way of processing Robusta coffee. Now, he processes his Robusta coffee with a complete set of coffee processing facilities.


As an R & D collaborator of the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech), he processes his Robusta coffee beans using the Robusta coffee technology system. The system includes recommended practices and technologies like pulper, huller, moisture meter, and all weather dryer. He also uses other technology recommendations of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) like the coffee roaster and grinder.


“Mas mabilis ngayon kesa noong manu-manong pagproproseso. Pwede akong tumanggap ng maraming orders dahil may mga aparato akong ginagamit,” said Mr. Luisito.


Mr. Luisito uses Robusta coffee beans harvested from his farm and that of the other coffee farmers in Dipaculao, Aurora and nearby municipalities. He takes pride that he is able to buy Robusta coffee from his fellow farmers at a higher price. As a result of their coffee farming and processing, he and his wife, Thelma, were able to send their children to school . They now have a teacher, policeman and a nurse.


Moreover, the Fabrigas couple has established a coffee shop in front of their house in Barangay Diarabasin, Dipaculao, Aurora. For other marketing outlets, Mr. Luisito delivers his Diarabasin coffee to hotels and resorts like Bahia de Baler (I and II) in Baler, Aurora.


Yes, because of the more efficient Robusta coffee processing system being adopted by Mr.Luisito Fabrigas, he is able to meet the growing demand of Robusta coffee in the market.