The plight of Filipino coffee farmers

By LAI SUAREZ-REYES

We drink coffee three times a day and yet never actually look at what’s in the mug. Popularly known as the “happy cup,” coffee plays a major part in nearly every Filipino’s life.

While many of us depend on it for our caffeine fix, coffee growers all over the country rely on the "magic" bean for a living.

Sadly, many Filipino farmers suffered losses with the onset of globalization.

Their farming activities were affected because they’re not only competing with the local farmers, but also with others from top coffee producing countries around the globe.

Nestle Philippines, Inc. (NPI), a staunch supporter of the Filipino coffee farmer and the Philippine coffee industry in general, continues to implement and support programs and projects that help raise awareness in Philippine coffee.

The company started the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative to assist farmers by introducing more efficient farming methods.

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