Espressophile Manila Philippine Coffee Expo

MANILA — The Philippine Coffee Expo (PCE) 2026 reaffirmed what many in the specialty coffee community have long observed: the future of Philippine coffee is increasingly being shaped by Mindanao’s farmers.

Espressophile was present throughout the three-day event and was struck by the strong representation of producers from across the island: Sulu, Basilan, Sultan Kudarat, Cotabato, Maguindanao, Zamboanga, Davao, Bukidnon, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur and the rest of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Their presence reflected not only the country’s geographical diversity but also the growing confidence and quality emerging from Philippine coffee-producing communities.

The Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC), one of the highlights of the expo, showcased the country’s finest green coffees. Topping this year’s competition was Gloria Lagawan of Malaybalay, Bukidnon, whose coffee earned an impressive 86.41 points, with judges describing notes of lychee, cranberry, apple, passion fruit and honey. Lagawan remarkably placed a second coffee within the competition’s Top 10.

Representing BARMM, Samuel Mumar Ochea Jr. of Amai Manabilang, Lanao del Sur secured third place, while fellow producer Ruel Mata Rabaca, also from Amai Manabilang and a member of the St. Mary Downtown Farmers Organization, finished eighth. Their achievements underscored the emergence of BARMM as one of the country’s most promising specialty coffee regions.

The spotlight, however, was not exclusive to Mindanao. Coffee producers from Ilocos Sur demonstrated that Northern Luzon continues to produce exceptional specialty coffees, particularly in robusta. Ilocos Sur dominated the Robusta Naturals category, reaffirming the province’s growing reputation for producing clean, sweet and competition-grade robusta. Their success, alongside Mindanao’s dominance in arabica, highlighted the remarkable diversity of Philippine coffee, from the volcanic highlands of the north to the mountainous coffee landscapes of the south.

While exhibitors from Luzon and the Visayas continued to showcase innovation in roasting, brewing equipment and café operations, it was the overwhelming participation of Mindanao’s farmers that left the strongest impression. Indigenous communities, cooperatives and smallholder producers demonstrated that world-class coffee is increasingly being cultivated in some of the country’s most remote and historically underserved regions.

Beyond the competitions and exhibitions, PCE 2026 served as a meeting point for producers, roasters, café owners, exporters and coffee professionals united by a common goal: to elevate Philippine coffee on the global stage.

For Espressophile, the story of this year’s Philippine Coffee Expo was not simply about awards. It was about the people behind the harvest: farmers whose dedication, resilience and pursuit of quality continue to redefine the country’s coffee identity. If this year’s competition is any indication, the next chapter of Philippine specialty coffee will be written from the mountains of Mindanao.