PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (PIA) – Three coffee farmers from the Zamboanga Peninsula will compete for the national level of the 12th Mindanao Master’s Excelsa Cup Taster’s Competition on May 9-11, 2025 at One Ayala, Ayala Center in Makati City.
The competition, organized by the Filipino Bar Professionals and Innovators Association, Inc. and the Mindanao Specialty Coffee Community, gathered local farmers and coffee enthusiasts to showcase their skills in identifying and appreciating different coffee flavors.
Niza M. Teves of Zamboanga del Norte emerged as the Grand Champion of the regional elimination of the 12th Mindanao Masters – Excelsa Cup Taster’s Competition held in Pagadian City
Niza M. Teves of Zamboanga del Norte bested 15 other coffee farmers and cuppers who joined the 6th elimination round held in Josefina H. Cerilles State College (JHCSC). She will represent the region in the national competition along with two other top contenders during the elimination.
“Nalipay gyud kong dako nga usa ko sa nakadaog niining competition sa cupping test. Nangayo kog [guidance] sa atong Ginoo nga anaa siya mag-uban kanako. Dili nako kalimtan nga ako usa sa nakadaog sa cupping test,” she said.
(I am very happy to be one of the winners of the cupping test competition. I prayed for God’s guidance, and I will never forget this moment.)
The competition seeks to honor the expertise and dedication of local coffee farmers and cuppers while promoting high-quality coffee production in Mindanao. It aims to elevate the local coffee industry and position Filipino farmers in the global market.
Department of Trade and Industry – Zamboanga del Sur Business Development Division Chief Elvis Q. Dablo urged coffee farmers to continuously enhance their production with the help of DTI and other partner agencies.
“Among message kanila mao ang pagpadayun sa ilang mga pagdevelop sa ilang mga kape. This will be an opportunity para sa mga naa sa coffee industry aron mahatagan og kahigayunan nga mapromote ug ma-market sa sakto nga merkado ang ilang mga produkto nga kape,” he said.
(We hope they will keep developing their coffee products. This competition is a great opportunity for them to promote and market their coffee to the right industry sectors.)
The Mindanao Master’s Excelsa Cup Taster’s Competition was launched to recognize and uplift local coffee farmers and cuppers. Excelsa coffee, one of the rarest coffee varieties, flourishes in Mindanao, making the competition a crucial platform to highlight the excellence of Filipino coffee. (EDT/HTB/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)
