Rogelio Claridad wins Western Visayas Coffee Quality Competition 2025

 

Rogelio Claridad, a coffee farmer from Murcia, Negros Occidental, triumphed in the 2025 Western Visayas Regional Coffee Quality Competition (RCQC) with an impressive cupping score of 84.88.

Representing the Do-ong Anangue Coffee Integrated Farmers Association (DACIFA), Claridad showcased his naturally processed Robusta beans, which impressed judges with rich flavor notes of wine, raisins, and tropical fruits. His success highlights his commitment to refining his craft through improved farming and post-harvest practices.

Claridad first participated in the competition in 2024, securing fourth place. His remarkable journey from small-scale farming to regional recognition demonstrates the power of perseverance and collaboration in agriculture. He was also supported by the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO) and Pakiburak.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 6 officially announced the Top 5 winners of the competition during a virtual event on Wednesday, April 16. Fourteen Robusta entries were submitted and evaluated by coffee professionals.

Ben Flores from Bago City, Negros Occidental, claimed second place, Rommel Cabistrante from Leon, Iloilo, took third, Electo Villaster from Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental, earned fourth, and John Dela Cruz from Panit-an, Capiz, rounded out the Top 5 in fifth place.

During the announcement, DTI 6 Regional Director Rachel Nufable congratulated all participants for their dedication to producing high-quality coffee beans.

“Last year, entries from Region 6 earned high scores in the national competition. With the same passion and consistency, I’m hopeful we’ll have even more entries this year representing Western Visayas,” she said.

The RCQC serves as a preparatory event for the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC), scheduled for May 9–11, 2025, where Region 6 aims to make a strong national showing once again.

The Western Visayas RCQC was organized by DTI Region 6 in collaboration with the Iloilo Specialty Coffee Community Association Inc. (ISCAI). The event was held from April 9 to 10 at the Barista Coffee Academy of Asia in Iloilo City, with ISCAI also participating as coffee evaluators.

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