Arjay Borja’s Mission to Elevate Capiz’s Coffee Industry

 

Before founding OG KOPI Roastery & Coffee House, Arjay B. Borja worked as a community organizer for an NGO, where he was deeply immersed in the coffee communities of Capiz. This experience helped him see the realities local coffee farmers face and the industry's challenges.

"As a community organizer, I visited coffee farms across Capiz as part of our livelihood program. We helped farmers market their produce,” Borja recalled.

Through these interactions, his passion for coffee grew, motivating him to take a bold step. Seeing that no one was interested in purchasing the farmers' Green Coffee Beans (GCB), he decided to buy them himself. 

Determined to add value to their harvest, he taught himself how to roast the beans, relying on YouTube tutorials and guidance from friends knowledgeable in roasting. During the pandemic, when home brewing surged in popularity, he successfully sold his roasted coffee to eager buyers.

Borja describes himself as a "self-taught coffee roaster," but his commitment to learning never wavered. In 2021, with the increasing demand for quality coffee in the local scene, he officially established OG KOPI Roastery & Coffee House. As he continued to hone his craft, he pursued further education, enrolling in an online coffee course and earning a certification in "Roasting Foundation & Intermediate Course" from the Filipino Coffee Institute (FCI), a Specialty Coffee Association (SCA)-accredited school.

His dedication reflects not just a personal growth journey, but a mission to uplift the local coffee industry—helping farmers gain recognition and ensuring locally sourced coffee thrives.

He also co-founded the Capiz Coffee Community—an informal group dedicated to strengthening the local coffee scene through meaningful activities. The community has organized events such as cupping sessions, conducted according to standard protocols, to educate consumers and promote appreciation for quality coffee.

Revival of the Capiz Coffee Council

In the past, when coffee prices were lower, many farmers in Capiz struggled to justify continuing their coffee cultivation. Faced with declining profits, most opted to cut down their coffee trees and convert their farms into corn or sugarcane plantations. The situation was further exacerbated by typhoons, which devastated coffee farms, leaving farmers with little to no resources to sustain their operations.

Borja acknowledges the challenges within the coffee industry. Among the key issues are the lack of technical knowledge among farmers, the shortage of coffee professionals and mentors to guide them, and limited investment in coffee farming and production. Addressing these concerns is crucial to ensuring the growth and sustainability of the local coffee sector.

Determined to explore coffee opportunities in Capiz, Borja took the initiative to approach the Capiz Coffee Council. Around the same time, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Capiz made a strong move to revive the council to strengthen the local coffee industry.

"Before, not all coffee stakeholders were part of the council due to limited awareness," Borja explained. "Now, most members represent the entire coffee community—from farmers and processors to traders, roasters, café owners, and enthusiasts."

In December 2024, he was elected as President of the Capiz Coffee Council, a testament to his dedication and leadership in strengthening the local coffee industry.

On March 6, 2025, Borja, along with the newly elected council members, took their oath in the presence of representatives from DTI Capiz and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg). That same day, the Capiz Coffee Council held its first meeting of the year, marking a new chapter in its ongoing efforts to support and uplift local coffee stakeholders.

DTI Capiz, in collaboration with other government agencies and the academe, has played a vital role in rekindling farmers' interest in coffee cultivation. As part of their efforts, DTI initiated visits to various coffee farms across the province to collect and validate data on coffee production.

To strengthen the industry, DTI Capiz has rolled out comprehensive programs covering farm care and maintenance, post-harvest training, product development, and market matching. By addressing the gap between supply and demand, they aim to create a more sustainable coffee sector.

Additionally, the agency actively encourages farmers to participate in the Western Visayas Coffee Quality Competition and the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC)—helping them recognize the importance of adhering to industry standards and producing high-quality coffee.

DTI Capiz actively supports the local coffee industry through various initiatives. Every July, they organize the annual Cacao and Coffee Festival, while in October, they back the Coffee Festival of the Capiz Coffee Community—both events aimed at promoting local coffee culture and strengthening industry connections.

Moreover, they host Capiz Biz Connect, an event that facilitates direct linkages between hotel and restaurant owners and local suppliers, including coffee farmers, helping boost market opportunities for homegrown products.

The Capiz Coffee Community actively collaborates with Pakiburak, a coffee advocacy platform founded by Ariel Lastica, to organize impactful initiatives such as farm visits, mentoring sessions, and coffee competitions—helping strengthen and promote the local coffee scene.

As President of the Capiz Coffee Council, Borja envisions a thriving future for the local coffee industry. Under his leadership, the council aims to advocate for policies that will strengthen the sector, ensuring that all stakeholders across the value chain—from farmers to consumers—reap the benefits.

"We want Capiz to be recognized as a coffee-producing province on par with the best in the Philippines," he said, underscoring his commitment to elevating the region’s coffee industry.