TAGBINA, SURIGAO DEL SUR — In the highlands of Barangay Kahayagan, a quiet revolution has been brewing for nearly two decades. What began in 2004 as a gathering of 15 farmers with a shared dream has grown into the Mabuhay Kahayagan Coffee Growers Cooperative (MKCGC), a thriving community-based enterprise that has transformed local coffee into a source of pride and livelihood. Today, the cooperative manages approximately 128 hectares of coffee production area, yielding around 30 metric tons of fresh coffee cherries annually. It has become one of the biggest coffee producers in Tagbina, a municipality once named the coffee capital of the Caraga region.
A Journey Rooted in Perseverance
The road to success was not easy. Before the cooperative was formally established in 2010, individual farmers worked alone, facing unpredictable market prices, limited access to post-harvest technologies, and a lack of high-quality planting materials and financing. These challenges discouraged many from planting coffee. But the farmers of Kahayagan chose to unite. Through collective effort, they formed the Kahayagan Coffee Growers' Association, pooling contributions to purchase their first de-hulling machine. Their determination laid the foundation for what would become a model of rural enterprise.
Partnerships That Strengthened the Enterprise
The cooperative's growth was accelerated by a network of partners who recognized its potential. In 2012, Nestlé Philippines' Project CoFFEE: a partnership with DEG and ASSIST, provided end-to-end support, from nursery establishment and post-harvest training to quality control and business management. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) contributed a coffee roaster through its Shared Service Facilities (SSF) Program, strengthening the cooperative's processing capability and enabling it to produce its own branded products. DTI also provided assistance in organization strengthening, product development, and marketing, helping MKCGC participate in trade fairs and reach new customers. The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), in partnership with USAID, activated a community network in Sitio Mabuhay, managed by MKCGC's 180 members, 15 of whom are from the indigenous community. This digital connection allowed the cooperative to market its products online and scale its livelihood. The Department of Agriculture (DA) provided a ₱1.3-million hauling vehicle to transport farm products to various markets, a timely boost as the cooperative expanded its reach. The LGU of Tagbina and other agencies likewise supported the cooperative's efforts to strengthen the local coffee industry.
Kape de Tagbina: A Proudly Local Product
Today, MKCGC produces Robusta ground coffee and roasted coffee beans under its local brand, Kape de Tagbina. Its products are available in 500g, 250g, and 100g packs, as well as convenient drip coffee bags, and are marketed through local stores, coffee shops, trade fairs, and other channels. The cooperative produces five metric tons of green coffee beans and two metric tons of ground coffee yearly. It has also secured its FDA License to Operate, reflecting its commitment to food safety, quality, and reliable locally produced coffee.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite its achievements, MKCGC continues to face challenges, including fluctuating market rates, risks associated with changing weather conditions, and the need to strengthen member participation and further upgrade facilities. Yet the cooperative moves forward with the support of its partners and the determination of its members. The cooperative has also been selected as a beneficiary of the Biodiversity Corridor Summit 2025's Biodiversity Development Fund for Enterprises (BDFE) grant, a recognition of its role as a major coffee producer and its commitment to sustainable practices.
More Than Coffee, A Community Transformed
From 15 pioneering farmers to a growing cooperative of 180 members, MKCGC demonstrates what can be achieved through unity, perseverance, responsible leadership, partnerships, and continuous learning. More than coffee, Kape de Tagbina represents the aspirations of Kahayagan's farmers, turning local resources into livelihood, strengthening families, supporting the local economy, and creating opportunities for a more sustainable community. Their story is a reminder that when a community comes together, even the most humble beginnings can brew something extraordinary.
