Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) President Edward Du joined the Kick-off Ceremony of the weeklong Dumaguete Coffee Festival Year 2 at the Robinsons Place, Dumaguete City.
A number of local coffee exhibitors participated in the said event. According to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Negros Oriental Provincial Director Nimfa Virtucio, the event was part of the DTI’s strategies to promote local coffee and encourage coffee shops to use locally-produced and grown coffee in making their products.
The coffee festival offered various range of activities, including coffee cupping sessions, coffee talks, annual barista challenge, and opportunities for networking with fellow coffee enthusiasts and industry experts.
NOCCI has been supporting and assisting various local coffee makers in Negros Oriental through its OTOP development program
The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), under the leadership of President Edward Du, participated in the Kick-off Ceremony of the weeklong Dumaguete Coffee Festival Year 2, held at Robinsons Place, Dumaguete City. This event, a significant marker in the local coffee industry’s calendar, drew attention to the region’s burgeoning coffee sector.
The Dumaguete Coffee Festival serves as a platform for showcasing the rich coffee culture of Negros Oriental. A diverse group of local coffee exhibitors participated, offering a wide array of coffee products that highlighted the unique flavors and quality of locally-grown beans. The event was more than just a celebration of coffee; it was a strategic initiative to elevate the local coffee industry and promote sustainable practices among farmers and entrepreneurs.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Negros Oriental Provincial Director, Nimfa Virtucio, emphasized the importance of the festival in the DTI’s broader strategy to promote local products. According to Director Virtucio, the event aligns with the DTI’s ongoing efforts to encourage coffee shops and businesses to use locally-produced and grown coffee in their offerings. This initiative is not only about supporting local farmers but also about preserving the unique coffee heritage of the region.
The week-long festival featured a range of activities designed to engage both coffee enthusiasts and industry professionals. Among the highlights were the coffee cupping sessions, where participants had the opportunity to taste and evaluate various coffee profiles, learning the subtleties of flavor, aroma, and quality. The event also included insightful coffee talks, where industry experts shared their knowledge on trends, best practices, and the future of coffee production in the region.
A key event in the festival was the annual barista challenge, which attracted skilled baristas from across the region. The competition was fierce, with participants showcasing their talents in brewing, latte art, and other essential barista skills. This challenge not only celebrated the craft of coffee-making but also served as an opportunity for local baristas to gain recognition and enhance their careers.
NOCCI’s involvement in the Dumaguete Coffee Festival underscores its commitment to supporting local industries. Through its One Town, One Product (OTOP) development program, NOCCI has been actively assisting local coffee makers in Negros Oriental. This program aims to enhance the marketability of local products, providing training and resources to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) grow and succeed in the competitive market.
President Edward Du expressed his satisfaction with the festival’s outcomes, noting the positive impact it has on the local economy and the coffee industry. He reiterated NOCCI’s dedication to fostering partnerships that benefit the community, particularly in promoting locally-sourced products.
The collaboration between NOCCI and the DTI is a testament to the shared vision of enhancing the local coffee sector. By supporting events like the Dumaguete Coffee Festival, both organizations are contributing to the sustainable growth of the local economy, ensuring that the rich coffee traditions of Negros Oriental continue to thrive.
As the festival continues throughout the week, it promises more opportunities for networking, learning, and celebrating the vibrant coffee culture of Negros Oriental. For NOCCI, this event is another step forward in its mission to empower local businesses and promote the unique products that make the region stand out.
