The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Philippines Office successfully hosted its first Non-Government Organization (NGO) Seminar since the pandemic, bringing together Japanese professionals, students, and coffee enthusiasts to explore global challenges through the lens of the coffee industry.
The seminar provided a platform to examine how coffee production intersects with economic development, environmental sustainability, and international cooperation. Participants listened to expert discussions, gaining fresh perspectives on how their daily choices impact the world.
The event featured distinguished speakers specializing in sustainable coffee production and environmental conservation. SORIMACHI Mariko, Founder and Former Representative of Cordillera Green Network, delivered a talk on “Protecting the Forests of the Philippines through Sustainable Coffee Cultivation.” She shared her experiences working alongside indigenous communities using agroforestry to cultivate coffee, as well as the challenges associated with sustainable coffee production.
Meanwhile, OTA Katsuhisa, President of Pistacia Mindanao Coffee Export (PMCE, Inc.), spoke about his journey in the Philippines, specifically the motivations for continuing his coffee business despite various challenges. The seminar engaged participants in these discussions as three different types of coffee were being served, brewed by SUZUKI Makoto, a barista from Fresh Roaster Coffee Tonya. This provided an immersive experience, allowing participants to reflect on the seminar topics while having expertly prepared coffee.
The speakers shared personal insights into what led them to work in the Philippines and the driving forces behind their continued advocacy. They emphasized the importance of environmental conservation, the challenges and significance of coffee cultivation, and the role of international cooperation in supporting local communities. Their perspectives helped participants gain a deeper understanding of the connections between the coffee industry and economic development.
NGO Seminars are among JICA’s numerous efforts to promote international cooperation and sustainable development. JICA has long supported various development sectors in partner countries like the Philippines. By organizing events like this seminar, JICA continues to foster collaboration, encourage active citizen participation, and connect people with global challenges to drive meaningful change.
