Senator Panfilo Lacson has filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 1556 seeking to establish a Philippine National Coffee Industry Development Program, create a Philippine Coffee Board, and revive the long-declining local coffee sector.
Lacson noted that the Philippines was once a top global coffee exporter but now relies on imports for 81% of its needs. He said farmers struggle with outdated government support, lack of equipment, poor post-harvest facilities, limited access to inputs, and weak farm-to-market infrastructure.
SBN 1556 aims to make the Philippines a competitive producer and net exporter by 2035, improve small farmers’ livelihoods, preserve local varieties like Barako, and strengthen climate-resilient production.
The proposed law creates a Philippine Coffee Board under the Department of Agriculture, regional councils in key growing areas, and a National Coffee Replanting and Rehabilitation Program targeting 250,000 hectares over 10 years, including free seedlings, technical aid, subsidies, and insurance.
It also provides a Coffee Credit and Insurance Program with multi-billion-peso financing for production, processing, and calamity assistance; price and fertilizer subsidies; support for processing hubs; and export promotion.
A National Coffee Research Institute under DOST will develop better varieties and technologies. The measure allots an initial P15 billion yearly for five years to fund production, R&D, processing, marketing, and emergency support.
“Through these reforms, the Philippines can steadily work toward regaining its place in the global coffee sector, while building an industry that is more responsive and productive,” said Lacson.IMT
