The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) has established a dedicated Coffee Industry Development Office (CIDO), a move officials say represents a significant restructuring of government support for the sector. The creation of CIDO, formalized under Department Order No. 06, consolidates previously dispersed coffee programs, funding and policies into a single unit.
A New Focus for a Struggling Sector
CIDO will operate under the Office of the Undersecretary for Special Concerns and Official Development Assistance (ODA), currently led by Undersecretary Jerome Oliveros. This centralization aims to address long-standing challenges facing the Philippine coffee industry, including an aging farmer population, limited access to essential inputs, outdated equipment, and inadequate infrastructure.
Previously, coffee programs were managed through Department Order No. 19, Series of 2025, under the Office of Special Concerns and ODA. Secretary of Agriculture Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. Stated that the new office is a response to increasing domestic and global demand for coffee, coupled with declining local production.
What CIDO Will Do
CIDO’s responsibilities include program planning, prioritization, and tracking accomplishments across DA bureaus and regional offices. The office will as well coordinate with local governments, universities, private firms, and farmer groups to recommend policy reforms. All coffee development funds, including those from the High Value Crops Development Program and the Office of the Secretary, will now be managed by CIDO.
According to analysts, this move reflects a broader trend within the DA toward dedicated oversight for underperforming agricultural sectors. Secretary Tiu Laurel emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We cannot retain talking about the promise of Philippine coffee while farmers grow older, yields stagnate and imports rise.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of CIDO?
CIDO’s purpose is to consolidate coffee programs, funding, and policies under one office to address challenges in production, infrastructure, and market competitiveness within the Philippine coffee industry.
Who will lead CIDO?
CIDO will operate under the Office of the Undersecretary for Special Concerns and Official Development Assistance (ODA), which is currently headed by Undersecretary Jerome Oliveros.
Why is the DA creating CIDO now?
The DA is creating CIDO due to increasing coffee consumption, declining local production, aging farmers, and a need for a more focused and strategic approach to the coffee sector.
Will this new office truly revitalize the Philippine coffee industry, and what specific steps will be taken to address the challenges facing farmers and producers?
