BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — The province of Nueva Vizcaya is taking steps to unlock the potential of its coffee industry, hampered until now by limited infrastructure. A new P9.3-million Coffee Innovation Center (CIC) is planned, aiming to boost production and income for local farmers.
Investing in Coffee’s Future
The CIC will be located at Nueva Vizcaya State University and will function as a center for research, training, and the transfer of new technologies. Provincial Agriculturist Rizal Absalom Baysa stated the center will equip coffee farmers with the skills needed to improve their practices.
This initiative is part of a larger effort by the provincial government to develop the agricultural sector. Alongside the CIC, the “Kalsada ti Kabanbantayan” program has improved 225 farm access roads in upland areas, with 43 more currently under improvement, representing a P265 million investment. The “Dalan ti Umili” (People’s Road) Program has also completed farm-to-market roads with P50 million in funding from the provincial local government unit (PLGU).
These infrastructure improvements are intended to ease the transport of coffee and other farm products from remote communities to market, creating additional income opportunities for farmers and their families.
Governor Jose Gambito described the CIC as a “game-changer,” noting that access to modern technologies and training will allow farmers to improve both yield and quality. He anticipates this will lead to increased income and contribute to the overall economic growth of the province.
Gambito expressed optimism that, with the CIC and improved infrastructure, Nueva Vizcaya is poised to turn into a significant player in the global coffee market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Coffee Innovation Center?
The CIC will serve as a hub for research, training, and technology transfer, aiming to improve coffee quality and production, and increase farmers’ income.
What infrastructure projects are supporting the coffee industry?
The “Kalsada ti Kabanbantayan” program has rehabilitated 225 farm access roads, with 43 more being improved. The “Dalan ti Umili” program has completed several farm-to-market roads.
How much funding has been allocated to these projects?
The Coffee Innovation Center has received P9.3 million in funding. The “Kalsada ti Kabanbantayan” program has a budget of P265 million, and the “Dalan ti Umili” program received P50 million.
Will these combined efforts be enough to establish Nueva Vizcaya as a major coffee producer remains to be seen, but the province is clearly making a concerted effort to cultivate its agricultural potential.
