Crafting Excellence: How RCIC is Shaping the Future of Davao Coffee

 

In a bold move to elevate the coffee industry in the Davao Region, Davao del Sur State College (DSSC) has established the Regional Coffee Innovation Center & Museum (RCIC)—a groundbreaking facility designed to advance coffee science, enhance production, and celebrate the rich heritage of coffee in the province.

Officially launched on February 20 in Digos City, RCIC serves as a hub for knowledge and innovation, providing local farmers with essential tools to evaluate their produce and unlock its potential in both domestic and international markets.

“We believe that the Regional Coffee Innovation Center will be a game-changer not only for Davao Region but for the island of Mindanao, as a whole,” said Dr. Regie Patagoc, head of DSSC-RCIC and Museum.

“It will not only elevate the quality of our coffee but also empower the rural communities, create new opportunities, and solidify our position as a leading producer of specialty coffee in the country and in ASEAN,” he added.

From Modest Beginnings to a Full-Fledged Innovation Center

The RCIC traces its roots to a modest Coffee Cupping Laboratory funded by ACDI-VOCA, an initiative aimed at helping farmers assess and refine the quality of their beans.

In 2022, as part of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) push to establish innovation centers across various provinces, DOST 11 partnered with DSSC to expand the lab’s capabilities. This collaboration led to the transformation of the facility into a comprehensive Innovation Center—one dedicated to research, learning, and value creation for the province’s coffee sector.

With strong partnerships between DSSC, DOST 11, and ACDI-VOCA, alongside support from various government and development agencies, the RCIC stands as a vital catalyst for coffee production in the region.

A Premier Facility for Coffee Advancement

The PHP12-million RCIC is more than just a research hub—it is an experience. The facility features:

• A Coffee Museum showcasing the deep-rooted history and evolution of coffee in Davao del Sur.

• A Training Room for capacity-building programs aimed at farmers and entrepreneurs.

• A Coffee Cupping Room for quality assessment and refinement.

• A Coffee Shop offering locally sourced brews and promoting the province’s best beans.

• A Sensory Laboratory, where farmers can submit samples for expert analysis, ensuring competitiveness in premium markets.

Beyond innovation, RCIC also serves as a hub for education and experiential tourism. Visitors can participate in the immersive "seed-to-cup" experience, learning firsthand about coffee cultivation, processing, and tasting.

Davao del Sur’s Coffee Legacy

Davao del Sur is recognized as one of the Philippines’ top producers of high-quality Specialty Arabica coffee beans. The province consistently secures top rankings in the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC), with its entries landing among the Top 12 in the Arabica category, further solidifying its reputation as a coffee powerhouse.

According to the latest 2024 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Davao del Sur remains the fourth-highest coffee-producing province in the country, following Sultan Kudarat, Bukidnon, and Cavite.

“We envision a thriving coffee industry that empowers communities, fosters innovation, and preserves cultural heritage for future generations,” said Dr. Augie E. Fuentes, DSSC President.

With the establishment of the RCIC, Davao del Sur’s coffee sector is poised for greater heights, championing sustainability, expertise, and excellence in every cup.