LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines – – The Department of Trade and Industry, in partnership with Benguet State University (BSU) officially launched the Coffee Processing and Cupping Laboratory at the BSU Institute of Highland Farming System and Agro Forestry last July 7, here.
The P4 million Shared Service Facility (SSF) is set to benefit the over 3,000 Arabica coffee growers in the province and the rest of Cordillera  in terms of post – harvest processing and value adding that will help in increasing the growers’ productivity and better quality of products that will ensure better income opportunity.
Present during the launching of the Coffee Processing and Cupping Laboratory were DTI officials headed by Undersecretary for Regional Operations Zenaida Maglaya and Cordillera Regional Director Myrna Pablo and Benguet Provincial Director Freda Gawisan.
They were joined in the ribbon cutting, blessing and turn – over program by BSU President Feliciano Calora and Benguet officials headed by Governor Crescencio Pacalso and La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda.
Maglaya, in her keynote message, outlined the importance of DTI’s partnership with BSU for the SSF project. Aside from boosting the productivity of Arabica growers in the province, they can also ensure a certified quality coffee produce and by-products with the university’s coffee program and research and extension services.
Pablo also highlighted the significance of the project given that coffee production especially Arabica as among the banner programs of the Regional Development Council and the One Town One Product of the region.
She also thanked BSU for partnering with them as she expressed hope that their next project together will be the establishment of Negosyo Center at the university that will benefit not only coffee growers and businessmen but also mall and medium enterprises in the other food sector of Benguet and Cordillera.
The Coffee Processing and Cupping Laboratory is the 24th of the 120 SSF projects for Cordillera.
