Collaborative government effort led by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has received over P10 million into Nueva Vizcaya’s coffee industry, providing crucial support to both farmers and coffee shop owners.
Five coffee farmer associations received P1.5 million each to upgrade their production facilities and acquire necessary inputs through DOLE’s Integrated Livelihood Program, in partnership with local government units. Simultaneously, 13 coffee shop owners received P2.9 million under DOLE’s Adjustment Measures Program (AMP) for capacity building and equipment purchases. This initiative aims to address challenges faced by coffee farmers, such as high production costs, while enhancing the competitiveness of coffee shops.
Assistant Regional Director Remedios Vegim-Teves highlighted the program’s goal of empowering coffee businesses to foster family and community growth, thanking collaborating agencies for their commitment. โRest assured, we will pay more attention and support for coffee farmers because enhancing their production will benefit the entire industryโincluding coffee shop ownersโand ultimately strengthen the province’s general economy,โ expressed Governor Jose Gambito in Iloco as he expressed his thanks for the programs of DOLE.
The beneficiaries also received capacity-building training in various areas, including business sustainability and farm tourism. DOLE Nueva Vizcaya Field Office Head Elizabeth Martinez expressed confidence in Nueva Vizcaya’s potential to become a leading coffee producer and job creator. Participating government agencies include the Departments of Agriculture, Trade and Industry, Environment and Natural Resources, Tourism, Science and Technology, as well as the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board, TESDA, Nueva Vizcaya State University, and local government units.
This multi-agency initiative represents a significant investment in Nueva Vizcaya’s coffee industry, aiming to revitalize production, enhance business capabilities, and ultimately contribute to the province’s economic growth by creating more job opportunities.#
