Shiela Livera (center), owner of SJC Food Products in Kidapawan City, Cotabato, receives the award for Apo’s Brew Coffee entry on behalf of SOCOFAThe Sondawa Coffee Farmers Association (SOCOFA), a farmers association assisted by Energy Development Corporation (EDC), brewed remarkable results through their main product, Apo’s Brew Coffee, which clinched third place at the Kape Dose Coffee Quality Competition 2024 in Koronadal City, South Cotabato.

The competition is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry Region XII and RAPID Growth Project.

Among 71 participants that went through the selection process, Apo’s Brew Coffee’s first attempt to join stood out in the Arabica 50-kilogram subcategory 2.

With 57 farmer beneficiaries tending to 33 hectares of land along the permitted area of Mt. Apo Natural Park inside the Manobo Apao Descendants Ancestral Domain of Mt. Apo or MADADMA, SOCOFA and EDC began a shared vision of empowering local communities and promoting long-term sustainable practices through social entrepreneurship that fosters self-reliance and enriches cultural heritage.

SOCOFA president Gemma Andot shared how EDC played a key role in introducing the concept of sustainable agriculture to improve the community members’ individual coffee endeavors.

“We reached the point where we learned the proper process of planting and harvesting, participated in various studies and joined competitions,” Andot said. “We even started receiving offers from big buyers from other countries, but their demand was too high. They wanted three tons of coffee, which we couldn’t provide yet as a start-up social enterprise.”

The community realized the need to form a group to revitalize their farms, leading to the creation of SOCOFA.

“This was truly our vision of a better future,” Andot continued. “With EDC’s support, we were able to launch this project and sell coffee to local customers and tourists alike.”

Cultivated along the OboManobo Ancestral Domain, Apo’s Brew Coffee embodies more than just a beverage; it represents a commitment to cultural preservation, economic empowerment and environmental sustainability.

Nancy Ibuna, head of corporate relations and communications at EDC, said: “This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of SOCOFA as well as the strength of our partnership. We look forward to continuing our joint efforts with SOCOFA as they achieve new heights and inspire others in the coffee industry.”

(Story/Photos by:Alaina Lyn de Guzman)