The growing demand for coffee in the Philippines continues to open opportunities for the local coffee industry, underscoring the need to strengthen support for Filipino coffee farmers through skills development, modern farming practices, and sustainable livelihood programs. Recognizing this, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Nestlé Philippines—through the NESCAFÉ Plan and the company’s long-standing expertise in coffee production and sustainability—have strengthened their partnership to help empower smallholder coffee farmers and improve the competitiveness of locally grown coffee.
TESDA Director General Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez recently met with officials of Nestlé Philippines to further expand collaboration aimed at equipping coffee farmers with industry-relevant skills and modern agricultural knowledge. The strengthened partnership seeks to improve farm productivity, enhance the quality of locally grown coffee, and create more sustainable economic opportunities for rural communities.
Under the initiative, TESDA and Nestlé Philippines will focus on key areas such as modern agricultural training, access to technology, improved logistics and distribution systems, fertilizer support, post-harvest processing, and stronger collaboration among government agencies, industry stakeholders, and local communities.
“Coffee starts with strong support from the farm all the way to your cup,” Benitez said. “Skills are the currency of the workplace, and certified skills are front and center at every stage of coffee production. Proud kami sa TESDA na maging ka-partner ng Nestlé para magturo ng skills at gawing mas makabuluhan ang bawat tasa para sa farmers at consumers.”
Nestlé Philippines Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Affairs Joey Uy III emphasized the company’s continuing commitment to advancing the welfare of Filipino coffee farmers through public-private collaboration.
“Our partnership with TESDA allows us to contribute not only to improving coffee farming practices but also to strengthening the long-term resilience of farming communities,” Uy said. “By combining technical training with on-the-ground support, we can help build a more sustainable value chain—from farm to cup.”
Through the strengthened partnership, TESDA and Nestlé Philippines aim to help develop a more resilient and globally competitive local coffee industry anchored on empowered farmers, sustainable practices, and inclusive growth.
Beyond coffee farming, both organizations are also exploring additional areas for collaboration, including entrepreneurship training for sari-sari store owners, green TVET initiatives, e-learning through e-TESDA, and community-based training programs in partnership with local government units.