Young Benguet Farmer Sets Record at Philippine Coffee Expo

Cordillera - A young farmer from Benguet made history at this year’s Philippine Coffee Expo as his green coffee beans sold for a record-breaking P9,900 per kilo — the highest price ever recorded in the country’s coffee auctions.

Rodyio Tubal Tacdoy, winner of the 2024 Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC) for small estate farms, shattered the previous record of US$91 per kilo set in 2023. His win highlighted a standout year for Philippine coffee.

Tacdoy, now 20, first joined the PCQC in 2023, becoming the youngest participant at just 19 years old. In only his second year, he clinched the award for Best Natural Processed Arabica. Judges praised his coffee for its intense fruity candy aroma, with flavor notes of tropical fruits, florals, and lychee.

The winning bid came from Cherry Cruz, founder of Equilibrium Intertrade Corporation and head of Curve Coffee Collaborators, the specialty coffee arm where Tacdoy’s beans will soon be featured. In a social media post, Cruz said, “Why not?” in response to the price, emphasizing the impact of Tacdoy’s win on other young farmers.

“He can inspire other young farmers from the North. His win should awaken them and tell them, their time has come,” Cruz added.

The PCQC is held annually in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Agriculture. It gathers the best beans from across the country for roasting, evaluation, and ranking by both local and international experts.

Mel Garcia, chairman of the Philippine Coffee Guild, noted that Northern Luzon’s strong showing this year signals a shift in the local coffee landscape. “After years of Mindanao dominating, it’s Northern Luzon’s time to shine,” he said.

Producers using innovative methods were also honored with Experimental Citations, recognizing the push toward higher-quality, globally competitive Philippine coffee.

Mindanao, however, still held its ground with strong entries from Davao, Bukidnon, and the rising region of Lanao del Sur.

With young champions like Tacdoy and continued support from the coffee community, the future of Philippine coffee looks brighter — and bolder — than ever.