Technologies and innovations on coffee through research and development (R&D) were showcased during the 2025 Coffee Farms and Industry Encounters through the Science and Technology Agenda (FIESTA).
With the theme, “Harnessing Innovation and Research to Accelerate Yield Advancements in the Coffee Industry (HIRAYA),” the two-day event was held on December 3–4, 2025 at the Tanza Convention Center in Cavite. The event aims to showcase cutting-edge technologies and promote sustainable innovations among stakeholders within the coffee value chain.
Among the coffee R&D outputs showcased were technologies funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD). These include technologies in controlling coffee plant pests, development of coffee products, characterization of various Robusta coffee strains or collections, coffee depulper, and green coffee bean sorter.
“At DOST-PCAARRD, we seek to elevate the coffee industry through research and development. Under the Industry Strategic Science and Technology Program or ISP for Coffee,” said Dr. Melvin B. Carlos, DOST-PCAARRD Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Resource Management, and Support Services, who delivered the message on behalf of Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director. “The ISP for coffee aims to improve the national production and quality through S&T-based interventions including using indigenous microorganisms to manage major coffee diseases, development of a low-cost temporary immersion bioreactor system, and using somatic embryogenesis to mass produce quality and high-yielding planting materials.”
The event also featured a media conference, technology and reverse pitching, and visual arts competition. Further, local government units (LGUs), researchers, and farmers, among others, gathered to learn from coffee experts and entrepreneurs during the farmers’ and business forum.
The diversity of Philippine coffee varieties was given a spotlight during the coffee cupping where participants were given the opportunity to taste, assess and appreciate local coffee beans.
This year’s Coffee FIESTA was implemented by the Council’s four regional consortia from Southern Tagalog (STAARRDEC), Cordillera (CorCAARRD), SOCCSKSARGEN (SOXAARRDEC), and Northern Mindanao (NOMCAARRD).
FIESTA is a technology promotion platform initiated by DOST-PCAARRD that aims to promote science, technology, and innovation (STI) in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector.
