Young Benguet Farmer Sets New Record for PH Coffee at the Philippine Coffee Expo 2025

The recently held Philippine Coffee Expo 2025 at Space One Ayala served as the culminating program for the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition where Benguet farmer Rodyio Tubal Tacdoy was hailed as one of the best this year!

The Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC) is an annual event promoting the Philippines’ best coffees to local and international markets, benefiting producers, businesses, and consumers through support from government, private sector, and donor projects.

The purpose of the PCQC is to identify the best specialty coffees in the Philippines to motivate producers to improve their coffee quality and to improve market access as these coffees are made known to specialty buyers through the competition results and subsequent auction.

Tacdoy participated in the PCQC for the second time, having joined the previous year. The Benguet farmer was previously recognized as the youngest participant at the age of 19. In this year’s competition, he was awarded the best natural processed Arabica. When cupped alongside the other winners, it stood out for its intense fruity candy aroma that made its way onto the cup as tropical fruits and florals and lychee. Aside from winning the Best Process award, Tacdoy also topped the Arabica Smallholder Farm category.

Tacdoy sold his green coffee beans for P9,900 per kilo at auction during the PCE 2025 event setting a new record of US$91 breaking last year’s price at PCQC.

Here are the complete list of winners:

ARABICA

ARABICA – Smallholder Farms

1. RODYIO TUBAL TACDOY – Benguet
2. ROQUITA DELA CERNA – Davao del Sur
3. ULDARICO DEGUILMO – Davao del Sur
4. MAYNARD JOSEPH N. GARCES – Bukidnon
5. MARIFEL SOR DELA CERNA  – Davao Del Sur
6. GARETH LIKIGAN – Sagada, Mt. Province
7. SAMUEL M. OCHEA JR. – Lanao Del Sur
8. CARMELINO DEBALDE – Bukidnon
9. FERNANDO ENECITO – Bukidnon
10. JOCELYN SULATAN – Bukidnon
11. REGINO D. OMAROL – Bukidnon
12. NESTOR LABARQUEZ – Lanao Del Sur

ARABICA – Estate Farms

1. MANOLITO GARCES – Bukidnon
2. ADELINA D. TARINO- Bukidnon

ARABICA – BEST PROCESS:

1. Natural: RODYIO TUBAL TACDOY
2. Washed: GARETH LIKIGAN
3. Honey: JOCELYN SULATAN

ARABICA – EXPERIMENTAL CITATIONS

1. CHERRY GIL CABANDAY
2. MAUREEN F. BALANSAG
3. JOSEPHINE LIBRES
4. GNASH RYLAND L. LAWAGEY
5. CORAZON LLAUDERES

ROBUSTA

ROBUSTA – Smallholder Farms

1. KRYSRTEL ANNE A. LAMES – Ilocos Sur
2. ROWELA S. LAMES – Ilocos Sur
3. JEOMAR U. ABAOAG – Ilocos Sur
4. MABINI UBUAN – Ilocos Sur
5. ORLANDO N. BAYUDAN – Sultan Kudarat
6. JOEY T. MARAVILLAS – Sultan Kudarat
7. GUMANA PANTALAN – Sultan Kudarat
8. DEXTER P. DAPLAYAN – Ilocos Sur
9. JEAR ABSALON – Sultan Kudarat
10. DESIREE GRACE ARZAGON – Sultan Kudarat
11. MARIETA LIDEM – Ilocos Sur
12. REYJOHN BASCO – Sultan Kudarat

ROBUSTA – Estate Farms

1. EDILBERTO B. RAMOS – Sultan Kudarat

ROBUSTA BEST PROCESS
Natural: KRYSRTEL ANNE A. LAMES – Ilocos Sur

ROBUSTA EXPERIMENTAL COFFEE CITATIONS

1. JULIET B. MORALES
2. CARLO T. CASENILLAS

Excelsa coffee debuted in the PCQC with veteran farmer Jose C. Del Fiero from Claveria, Misamis Oriental, receiving recognition for this new category.

The Philippine Coffee Expo 2025, the country’s largest coffee exhibition, offered a vibrant experience, connecting stakeholders for product showcases, learning opportunities, and networking. From bean to cup, this gathering offered insights into the latest innovations, trends, and developments in the coffee industry.

Participants were able to explore the cupping laboratory, a dedicated area where people can taste and enjoy an ample range of locally produced and internationally acknowledged coffee.

During the three-day expo, Kape’t Kuwentuhan Series held at the plenary hall provided valuable insights for participants with the following topics:

• Future-Proofing Coffee: Sustainable Practices for Long-Term Growth
• Promoting Local Coffee thru Kape Dose Initiatives: The Region 12 Experience 
• Breaking Through Barriers: The Emergence of Philippine Specialty Coffee
• Roasters-Producers Forum: Revisiting Filipino Coffee Culture
• Sustainable Coffee-Based Farming System
• Coffee Traceability, Elevating Philippine Coffee: A Story of Passion, Perseverance, and Global Success
• Crafting Coffee Stories: From Bean to Brand, Building a Brand That Resonates with Global Audience
• World Class Innovation: Boram Um’s Coffee Experience with Easy Brand Signature
• Adapting to a Changing Climate: Ensuring Resilience in Coffee Agriculture
• Global Coffee Trends and the Role of Emerging Origins
• Redefining Coffee Consumption: Creating Memorable Consumer Journeys
• The Art and Science of Specialty Coffee Roasting

Apart from the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition Awards and the Kape’t Kwentuhan Sessions, among the highlights of this year’s three-day trade fair were:

• Meeting with Local and International Speakers
• Business Matching
• Product Demos
• Roasters-Producers Forum
• Cupping Room
• Pop-up Cafes
• International Specialty Coffee Guest Exhibitors
• Guild Barista and Roasting Competitions

Dr. Emmanuel Garcia, PCG chairman says, “This year’s Philippine Coffee Expo builds on the success of previous editions by bringing the community together in an even more dynamic and collaborative space. With a wider range of exhibitors, engaging discussions with local and international experts, and expanded business matching opportunities, attendees can look forward to deeper connections and greater exposure to the best Philippine coffee. 

“This event continues to grow as a vital platform for fostering innovation, celebrating excellence, and strengthening the industry from farm to cup.”

More than 100 coffee-producing organizations, companies, and key players in the country’s coffee market system have participated in this event.

The Philippine Coffee Expo 2025 is made possible by Perdem Hay Marketing Solutions Incorporated in cooperation with major sponsors Gourmet Farms, Inc., Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat, DA-PRDP-NPCO, Easy Brand PH, Eighty Plus, Top Creamery, and Curve Coffee Collaborators.