Senator Lacson calls for stronger coffee industry, improved livelihood of farmers

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo 'Ping' Lacson renewed his call to strengthen the Philippine coffee industry, citing the need to meet local demand and compete in export markets following Brazil’s announcement of plans to expand its coffee market share in the country.

Lacson noted that certain areas in the Visayas and Mindanao could be developed into coffee plantation zones, but stressed that the Department of Agriculture (DA) must be empowered and supported through legislation to make this possible.

“Coffee is a regular part of a typical Filipino breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon meetings. Let’s develop our coffee industry not only for local consumption but to export. Hence, I filed Senate Bill 1556, establishing a Philippine national coffee industry development program,” Lacson said on X.

He added that some coffee farms have already been converted into subdivisions, underscoring the need for legislative support. “As a matter of fact, some regions in Visayas and Mindanao may be suitable as coffee plantation areas. The DA needs to be empowered (and supported) by way of legislation. Vietnam is the second largest producer and exporter of coffee in the world next to Brazil,” he said in response to a netizen’s comment.

Earlier this week, Brazilian Ambassador Gilberto Fonseca Guimarães de Moura said his country wants to expand its share in value-added food markets, including coffee, mineral water, and liquor. Brazilian companies are reportedly targeting the Philippines’ hotel, restaurant, and cafe industry, as well as specialized stores and the food service sector.

Lacson filed Senate Bill 1556 in November, citing the challenges faced by local coffee growers, including stiff competition from imports and limited government support. The bill, titled the Philippine National Coffee Industry Development Act of 2025, seeks to create the Philippine Coffee Board to provide comprehensive support mechanisms for the sector.

“This measure seeks to establish a national framework that will accelerate the development of the coffee industry, create a National Coffee Board, strengthen every link of the value chain, improve the country’s competitiveness, and reduce our heavy reliance on imported coffee,” Lacson said.

Under the proposed law, the government aims to transform the Philippines into a globally competitive producer and net exporter by 2035.

The measure also seeks to improve the livelihood of small coffee farmers who operate 95 percent of the country’s farms, preserve unique Philippine coffee varieties such as Barako, Robusta, Arabica, and Excelsa, ensure sustainable and climate-resilient production, and develop world-class quality standards and value-added processing capabilities.

The bill covers all coffee farmers, including smallholders managing farms under five hectares.