Press Release
February 17, 2012
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, Senator Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan, today says that the country could be missing out on a great opportunity if it fails to pay attention its well-regarded coffee beans.
“There is a resurgence in the popularity of coffee shops, and it is unthinkable that we are not making the most out of this opportunity by marketing the Philippines’ coffee beans,” Pangilinan says.
Pangilinan was the guest of honor at this year’s Pahimis Coffee Festival held in Amadeo, Cavite. Pangilinan allocated P5 million from the Priority Assistance Development Fund (PDAF) of his office for the purchase of a common service roaster that will enable farmers in Amadeo to increase the value of their beans, thereby increasing their own earning potential.
“I enjoin our countrymen to support our proudly Pinoy-made coffee beans. We encourage businesses to advocate the same. Our beans are renowned for their unique taste. We must be able to capitalize on this fact to boost our local coffee industry and empower our local farmers and all those whose lives are dependent on this valuable commodity.”