“No farmer, no coffee... It all begins in their sweat” — VG Odiem vows stronger support for Kalinga coffee farmers

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Vice Governor Atty. Dave Q. Odiem recognized the hard work and dedication of Kalinga’s coffee farmers, emphasizing that every cup of locally produced coffee carries the story of the people who cultivate it.

Odiem made the statement during the Second Kalinga Invitational Coffee Quality and Sustainable Congress held on September 8 at the Kalinga State University (KSU) Main Campus in Bulanao, bringing together coffee growers and industry stakeholders to strengthen the province’s coffee sector.

He stressed that Kalinga coffee’s journey does not end at the farm, saying its quality and sustainability depend on the collective efforts of farmers, processors, government agencies, academic institutions, industry partners and other stakeholders.

“Our coffee does not end at the farm. It's a journey that continues all the way, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the journey of our coffee is toward quality and sustainability,” Odiem said.

He said every cup of Kalinga coffee reaching consumers in Manila, Baguio and even international markets represents the farmers’ hard work, patience and knowledge.

“Every cup of Kalinga coffee that reaches the tables of Manila, Baguio, and even places outside the Philippines begins with you. It begins with your sweat, patience, and the connections you have built,” he said.

Farmers face challenges

Odiem acknowledged the challenges confronting coffee farmers, including unpredictable weather, the need for improved farm management practices, limited market access and rising production costs.

He assured farmers that the Provincial Government of Kalinga recognizes these concerns and will continue working with national government agencies, KSU, the private sector and other partners to develop practical and responsive interventions.

“The Provincial Government of Kalinga hears you. We are committed to working with all of you, together with our national agencies, our partners at KSU, the private sector, and our government partners, to find solutions that are practical and responsive to your needs,” he said.

The vice governor also underscored the cultural significance of Kalinga coffee, noting that its story is closely linked to the province’s indigenous heritage and the people who cultivate it.

For Odiem, strengthening the coffee industry should go beyond increasing production. It should also build a distinct identity for Kalinga coffee founded on quality, sustainability, resilience and pride in local heritage.

He expressed hope that Kalinga coffee would become a recognized name in the Philippines and abroad, representing the quality and wellness the province can offer.

“Kalinga coffee has a story worth telling—a story rooted in our indigenous culture, our weavers, and the hands of our people. Together, let us make that story one of resilience, excellence, and pride. Let us make Kalinga coffee a name that stands for the quality and wellness that our province can offer to the world,” he said.

The two-day congress served as a venue for coffee growers, government agencies, academic institutions and other stakeholders to discuss ways to improve the quality, sustainability and market potential of Kalinga coffee.

The event also highlighted the importance of cooperation across the coffee value chain to ensure that Kalinga coffee reaches wider markets while maintaining quality and improving the livelihood of the farmers behind every cup.