FIRST EVER COFFEE SUMMIT IN COTABATO CITY

Preparations are now underway for the conduct of the Coffee Summit, a first in Cotabato City.

The two-day activity will be spearheaded by the Metro Cotabato Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. in partnership with the City Government, other business chambers, and the USAID-GEM Program. A Coffee Forum will be held on September 20, 2012 wherein representatives from the Philippine Coffee Board, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, and others will be invited to speak to the participants about the coffee industry. On the next day, a Coffee Brewing Contest that is open to interested contestants will be held.

MCCCIFI President Dr. Danda N. Juanday says the Coffee Summit will be a catalyst for the development of a new and unique product option that can help rouse the city's economic boost, as well as to serve as the venue for laying down of strategies for the City to launch itself as the trading center for coffee lovers and producers.

The primary purpose of this event is to create awareness among the stakeholders/sectors and the producers of the opportunities in the coffee industry. The same is over and above the possible job and revenue generation that may result in the sustained development of the coffee processing industry.

In Cotabato City, one can say that the people are really coffee-loving ones, evidently shown beside the streets and market places where brewed coffee products are conveniently available. But because of the other industries, like rubber production, that have dominated the economy of Region 12, coffee production is dramatically diminishing.

With the huge demand for coffee all over the country, MCCCIFI sees the opportunity to revive the interest of farmers in Cotabato City and its neighboring municipalities in the coffee production business.

"It is the opportune time that the city comes up with its own Cotabato brand coffee. And we are also known for the native delicacies we serve our visitors, so it is just proper that we also showcase our unique tasting coffee", says Juanday.

In a meeting with the representatives from the local government, it was further discussed that coordination be strengthened in order to promote this business and create a window of opportunity to Cotabateños who are involved in the production and processing of coffee products.

Secretary to the Mayor Aniceto V. Rasalan says the city government is ready to extend any type of assistance to this project. Once implemented, coffee industry will surely help boost the economy of the city.(http://www.cotabatocity.net.ph)