Zamboanga del Sur 1st District Representative Joseph Kim Yu led a delegation to Sultan Kudarat for a courtesy visit with Governor Datu Pax Ali S. Mangudadatu, aimed at strengthening agricultural collaboration and advancing the coffee industry in both provinces. The delegation, joined by Provincial Agriculturist Dante Lao-ay and cacao and coffee program focal person Ivy Soon-Medrano, also visited the Municipality of Senator Noynoy Aquino for discussions on coffee development initiatives with Gold Coffee Award 2026 recipient Rey John Basco. The visit was highlighted by a meeting with Rebecca Gacayan, known as the “Mother of Coffee” in Sultan Kudarat, underscoring a shared commitment to regional agricultural cooperation and coffee industry growth.
Key Takeaways
- Zamboanga del Sur 1st District Representative Joseph Kim Yu paid a courtesy visit to Governor Datu Pax Ali S. Mangudadatu at the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol
- The delegation included Provincial Agriculturist Dante Lao-ay and Ivy Soon-Medrano, focal person of Zamboanga del Sur’s cacao and coffee program
- Discussions focused on strengthening agricultural collaboration and exploring opportunities for coffee industry development between the two provinces
- The delegation visited the Municipality of Senator Noynoy Aquino for coffee development talks with Rey John Basco, recipient of the Gold Coffee Award 2026
- The visit featured a meeting with Rebecca Gacayan, known as the “Mother of Coffee” in Sultan Kudarat
- The collaboration highlights the growing importance of the Sultan Kudarat coffee industry, which has emerged as the top coffee producer in the Philippines
Table of Contents
- Sultan Kudarat Coffee Industry Gains Regional Attention
- Zamboanga del Sur and Sultan Kudarat Explore Coffee Cooperation
- Coffee Farmers Driving the Sultan Kudarat Coffee Industry
- Rebecca Gacayan: The “Mother of Coffee”
- Rey John Basco: Gold Coffee Award 2026 Recipient
- Senator Noynoy Aquino: The Coffee Heartland of Sultan Kudarat
- Why the Sultan Kudarat Coffee Industry Matters to Mindanao
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Sultan Kudarat Coffee Industry
- Disclaimer
Sultan Kudarat Coffee Industry Gains Regional Attention
Zamboanga del Sur 1st District Representative Joseph Kim Yu received a warm welcome in Sultan Kudarat as he led a delegation focused on strengthening agricultural ties and exploring coffee industry collaboration between the two provinces. The delegation was joined by Provincial Agriculturist Dante Lao-ay and Ivy Soon-Medrano, the focal person of Zamboanga del Sur’s cacao and coffee program.
The group paid a courtesy visit to Governor Datu Pax Ali S. Mangudadatu at the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol, where discussions centered on agricultural cooperation and opportunities for mutual growth in the coffee sector. The visit also included a tour of the Capitol, allowing the Zamboanga del Sur delegation to gain insights into the province’s agricultural programs and initiatives.
Representative Yu, who was elected in 2025, represents Zamboanga del Sur’s 1st congressional district. His delegation’s visit to Sultan Kudarat signals a growing recognition of the province’s agricultural success, particularly in the Sultan Kudarat coffee industry, and a desire to explore partnerships that could benefit both regions.
Zamboanga del Sur and Sultan Kudarat Explore Coffee Cooperation
The courtesy visit between Representative Yu and Governor Mangudadatu placed a strong emphasis on coffee development, reflecting the increasing importance of coffee as a driver of economic growth in both provinces.
According to the Philippine Information Agency, Sultan Kudarat has emerged as the top coffee producer in the Philippines, surpassing the combined output of Batangas, Cavite, and Bukidnon in 2023. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Region 12 shows that Soccsksargen has the largest area devoted to coffee production in the country, with 26,172 hectares planted. Of this, 20,437 hectares—78 percent—are in Sultan Kudarat. The province produced about 19,778.3 metric tons of green coffee beans (GCB) in 2023.
The provincial government, under Governor Mangudadatu, has been actively pursuing initiatives to expand the local coffee industry, alleviate poverty, and generate more opportunities for farming communities. The Department of Agriculture has allocated ₱2.5 billion for a farm-to-market road network in Sultan Kudarat to boost coffee production and reduce the country’s dependence on imported coffee beans.
Zamboanga del Sur, meanwhile, has been emerging as a promising producer of cacao and coffee, with the provincial government actively promoting these high-value crops through various programs. Ivy Soon-Medrano, who accompanied the delegation, serves as the focal person for the provincial government’s coffee and cacao processing program.
The discussions between the two provinces explored opportunities for collaboration in areas such as coffee production and processing techniques, market access and value-adding initiatives, farmer training and capacity building, and technology transfer and innovation.
Coffee Farmers Driving the Sultan Kudarat Coffee Industry
The visit was highlighted by meaningful meetings with two of Sultan Kudarat’s most celebrated coffee champions, whose achievements have brought international recognition to the Sultan Kudarat coffee industry.
Rebecca Gacayan: The “Mother of Coffee”
Rebecca Gacayan is widely known as the “Mother of Coffee” in Sultan Kudarat. She is a coffee farmer-entrepreneur from Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat, and the owner of Gacayan General Merchandise. She is the person behind the BrownCup Coffee and Sultan Coffee brands, which have become staple local beverages and Region 12’s banner pasalubong products.
Gacayan’s beans have earned both national and international acclaim. Her Sultan Coffee won the Gourmet Medal at the AVPA Paris Gourmet competition in the Café Ronds Category, which honors well-balanced coffee. In 2021, her robusta coffee was ranked among the top 8 in the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition.
Gacayan is also an advocate for gender equality and inclusive society, having ventured into coffee production through ecologically balanced practices. Her success story serves as an inspiration to coffee farmers across the region and a testament to the potential of the Sultan Kudarat coffee industry.
Rey John Basco: Gold Coffee Award 2026 Recipient
The delegation also held discussions with Rey John Basco, recipient of the Gold Coffee Award 2026. Basco is a robusta grower from Sultan Kudarat representing 7R Coffee Processing and General Merchandise.
Basco’s achievements in the coffee industry are remarkable. According to the Philippine Information Agency, his beans were voted Top 1 Robusta at the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC) 2024, with an impressive score of 86.45. Along with his brother Roan Basco, the “Basco Brothers” claimed first and second place in the Robusta category at the 2024 PCQC. In addition to ranking first, Rey John’s natural processing method earned him the title of sole winner in the Robusta coffee processing category.
Basco is also a Q Professional, a certification that signifies expertise in coffee quality evaluation. He was among the Q Professionals who received the prestigious “Exceptional Coffee Processor” award at the 2023 Philippine Coffee Expo for his significant contributions to the Philippine coffee sector. His journey from farmer to award-winning coffee grower represents the potential of the coffee industry in Sultan Kudarat and the impact of government support on local farmers.
Senator Noynoy Aquino: The Coffee Heartland of Sultan Kudarat
The delegation’s visit to the Municipality of Senator Noynoy Aquino was particularly significant, as the municipality has emerged as the coffee heartland of Sultan Kudarat. It is home to some of the province’s most successful coffee farmers and producers, including Rebecca Gacayan and Rey John Basco, as well as four of the top winners at the 2024 Philippine Coffee Quality Competition.
Of the 17 farm-to-market road projects in Sultan Kudarat valued at approximately ₱2.4 billion, eight will be implemented in the Municipality of Senator Noynoy Aquino, totaling ₱1.059 billion, according to the Philippine Information Agency. These projects are expected to improve access to coffee-producing and other agricultural areas in the province.
The municipality has also hosted significant coffee events, and its coffee farmers have consistently performed well in national and international competitions. The concentration of award-winning coffee producers in Senator Noynoy Aquino underscores the municipality’s vital role in the Sultan Kudarat coffee industry.
Why the Sultan Kudarat Coffee Industry Matters to Mindanao
The visit by Representative Yu and his delegation to Sultan Kudarat represents a significant step toward regional agricultural cooperation in Mindanao. Here’s why it matters:
Knowledge Sharing and Technology Transfer: Sultan Kudarat’s success in the coffee industry—including its emergence as the top coffee producer in the Philippines—offers valuable lessons for other provinces like Zamboanga del Sur. The collaboration provides an opportunity for sharing best practices, technologies, and innovations in coffee production and processing.
Market Access and Value-Adding: Both provinces can benefit from collaborative efforts to improve market access for coffee and cacao products. With Sultan Kudarat’s established brands like Sultan Coffee and BrownCup Coffee, and Zamboanga del Sur’s emerging cacao and coffee programs, there is potential for joint marketing and value-adding initiatives.
Farmer Empowerment: The collaboration aligns with the shared goal of empowering farmers and improving their livelihoods. As Governor Mangudadatu has emphasized, the provincial government is committed to utilizing all available resources to assist farmers in achieving success.
National Coffee Self-Sufficiency: The Philippines has been working to reduce its dependence on imported coffee beans. The Department of Agriculture’s ₱2.5 billion investment in farm-to-market roads in Sultan Kudarat is part of this broader strategy. Inter-provincial collaboration can help accelerate the growth of the domestic coffee industry and contribute to national food security.
Recognition of Sultan Kudarat’s Leadership: The visit also highlights Sultan Kudarat’s growing reputation as a leader in the Philippine coffee industry. The recognition of local champions like Rebecca Gacayan and Rey John Basco underscores the province’s potential to become a center of excellence for coffee production and processing.
Conclusion
The courtesy visit of Zamboanga del Sur 1st District Representative Joseph Kim Yu to Sultan Kudarat marks a significant step toward strengthening agricultural ties and advancing the coffee industry in both provinces. The delegation’s meetings with Governor Datu Pax Ali S. Mangudadatu, coffee champions Rebecca Gacayan and Rey John Basco, and discussions in the Municipality of Senator Noynoy Aquino underscore a shared commitment to regional cooperation and coffee industry development.
Sultan Kudarat’s emergence as the top coffee producer in the Philippines, coupled with the success stories of its coffee farmers like Gacayan and Basco, makes the province an ideal partner for agricultural collaboration. As both provinces explore opportunities for knowledge sharing, market access, and farmer empowerment, the visit represents a promising step toward a more robust and self-sufficient coffee industry in Mindanao.
For updates on agricultural developments and inter-provincial collaborations in Sultan Kudarat and Zamboanga del Sur, follow the official Sultan Kudarat Provincial Government and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sultan Kudarat Coffee Industry
1. Who visited Sultan Kudarat for agricultural collaboration?
Zamboanga del Sur 1st District Representative Joseph Kim Yu led a delegation to Sultan Kudarat for agricultural collaboration talks. He was joined by Provincial Agriculturist Dante Lao-ay and Ivy Soon-Medrano, focal person of Zamboanga del Sur’s cacao and coffee program.
2. Who did the delegation meet in Sultan Kudarat?
The delegation paid a courtesy visit to Governor Datu Pax Ali S. Mangudadatu at the Provincial Capitol. They also visited the Municipality of Senator Noynoy Aquino for discussions with coffee development stakeholders.
3. What is the significance of the Sultan Kudarat coffee industry?
According to the Philippine Information Agency, Sultan Kudarat is the top coffee producer in the Philippines, surpassing the combined output of Batangas, Cavite, and Bukidnon in 2023. The province produced about 19,778.3 metric tons of green coffee beans in 2023.
4. Who is Rebecca Gacayan?
Rebecca Gacayan is known as the “Mother of Coffee” in Sultan Kudarat. She is a coffee farmer-entrepreneur from Senator Ninoy Aquino and the owner of Gacayan General Merchandise, behind the BrownCup Coffee and Sultan Coffee brands. Her Sultan Coffee won the Gourmet Medal at the AVPA Paris Gourmet competition.
5. Who is Rey John Basco?
Rey John Basco is a robusta grower from Sultan Kudarat and recipient of the Gold Coffee Award 2026. According to the Philippine Information Agency, his beans were voted Top 1 Robusta at the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC) 2024 with a score of 86.45. He was also recognized as an “Exceptional Coffee Processor” at the 2023 Philippine Coffee Expo.
6. What is the Municipality of Senator Noynoy Aquino known for?
The Municipality of Senator Noynoy Aquino is known as the coffee heartland of Sultan Kudarat. It is home to award-winning coffee farmers like Rebecca Gacayan and Rey John Basco. According to the Philippine Information Agency, eight farm-to-market road projects totaling ₱1.059 billion are being implemented in the municipality.
7. What is the purpose of the visit?
The visit aimed to strengthen agricultural ties between Zamboanga del Sur and Sultan Kudarat and explore opportunities for collaboration in coffee industry development. Discussions focused on knowledge sharing, technology transfer, market access, and farmer empowerment.
8. What is BrownCup Coffee?
BrownCup Coffee is a coffee brand produced by Rebecca Gacayan’s Gacayan General Merchandise. It has become a staple local beverage and Region 12’s banner pasalubong product.
9. What is Sultan Coffee?
Sultan Coffee is a coffee brand produced by Rebecca Gacayan. It won the Gourmet Medal at the AVPA Paris Gourmet competition in the Café Ronds Category.
10. How does this collaboration benefit farmers?
The collaboration aims to improve farmer livelihoods through knowledge sharing, technology transfer, market access, and capacity building. It also supports the broader goal of expanding the domestic coffee industry and reducing dependence on imported coffee beans.
11. Who is Ivy Soon-Medrano?
Ivy Soon-Medrano is the focal person for Zamboanga del Sur’s provincial government coffee and cacao processing program. She accompanied the delegation to Sultan Kudarat.
12. Who is Dante Lao-ay?
Dante Lao-ay is a Provincial Agriculturist who joined the Zamboanga del Sur delegation during their visit to Sultan Kudarat.
13. What is the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC)?
The Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC) is a national competition that evaluates the quality of coffee beans from different regions. According to the Philippine Information Agency, Sultan Kudarat farmers, including Rey John Basco and his brother Roan, have consistently performed well in the competition.
14. What is the AVPA Paris Gourmet competition?
The AVPA Paris Gourmet competition is an international competition that recognizes excellence in coffee quality. Rebecca Gacayan’s Sultan Coffee won the Gourmet Medal in this competition.
15. How can I stay updated on agricultural developments in Sultan Kudarat?
Follow the official Sultan Kudarat Provincial Government and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) for announcements. SultanKudarat.com also provides ongoing coverage of agricultural and infrastructure developments in the province.
Disclaimer
This article is based on the public announcement regarding the visit of Zamboanga del Sur 1st District Representative Joseph Kim Yu to Sultan Kudarat. Additional information about the Sultan Kudarat coffee industry, including production statistics and award details, has been sourced from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), and other reliable government sources as cited. SultanKudarat.com strives to provide accurate and timely information but does not guarantee the completeness or absolute accuracy of the details contained herein. Readers are encouraged to verify official announcements from the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Government and other authorized government agencies for the most current updates.
