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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session  
House Bill No. _______ 
Introduced by Representative Richard I. Gomez, DPA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Coffee cultivation in the Philippines began in the late 18th century, introduced by Spanish 
missionaries. Over time, Filipino farmers adapted their practices to diverse climatic conditions, leading to 
the development of a rich coffee tradition. By the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Philippines had become 
a prominent global coffee producer. However, challenges such as coffee rust disease and increasing 
international competition led to a decline in production. Recently, there has been a renewed focus on 
specialty coffee, sparking interest in local coffee varieties. 
This bill aims to establish a certification system for single origin coffee produced in the Philippines. 
Single origin coffee, which is sourced from a specific location, offers unique flavors linked to the region's 
environmental conditions. This concept is central to the specialty coffee industry, where traceability and 
quality are highly valued. Studies indicate that single origin coffees can achieve market premiums due to 
their distinctive taste and authenticity. For instance, research published in the Journal of Coffee Research 
shows that single origin coffees can command premiums of up to 30% over blended coffees. 
By certifying single origin coffee, Philippine coffee can regain its competitive edge in the global 
market, enhancing export revenues and attracting international buyers. Certification will also encourage 
more Filipinos to engage in coffee farming by providing technical support, training, and market access. 
This support is crucial for revitalizing coffee-growing regions and improving farmers' livelihoods. 
Promoting Philippine single origin coffee will foster national pride and recognition for local 
agricultural products. Showcasing the unique qualities of Philippine coffee will enhance the image of the 
country’s coffee industry and cultural heritage. Furthermore, the certification system will promote 
sustainable farming practices and ensure high-quality production standards, aligning Philippine coffee with 
international benchmarks for environmental sustainability. 
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The Philippines is renowned for its exceptional coffee culture, with top specialty coffee spots across 
diverse regions. Benguet’s Baguio City, Batangas, Bukidnon, and Davao are famous for their high-quality 
beans, while Ilocos Sur, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Sultan Kudarat, and Sagada each offer distinct 
coffee characteristics. By recognizing and certifying single origin coffee from these regions, the proposed 
bill aims to enhance the value and global recognition of Philippine coffee. This initiative will support local 
farmers, boost national pride, and position Philippine coffee alongside other high-quality beans worldwide. 
Countries such as Ethiopia, Colombia, and Kenya have successfully implemented single origin 
certification systems, leading to increased demand and market recognition for their high-quality coffees. 
By adopting similar practices, the Philippines can strengthen its position in the specialty coffee market. 
This bill will elevate Philippine coffee to global standards, increasing its value and international 
price. It will encourage more Filipinos to engage in coffee farming, contribute to the growth of the 
agricultural sector, and bolster national pride. The certification system will provide transparency and 
assurance to consumers, supporting the sustainable development of the Philippine coffee industry. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
RICHARD I. GOMEZ, DPA 


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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session  
House Bill No. _______ 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Representative Richard I. Gomez, DPA 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A SYSTEM FOR CERTIFYING SINGLE ORIGIN COFFEE 
PRODUCED IN THE PHILIPPINES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the  "Single Origin Coffee Act." 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy.  — It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote 
the cultivation, processing, and trade of high-quality coffee in the Philippines. The State recognizes 
the importance of establishing a certification system for single origin coffee to ensure its quality, 
authenticity, and traceability, thereby enhancing the value of Philippine coffee in the global market 
and supporting the sustainable development of local coffee-growing communities. 
SEC. 3. Definition. — For purposes of this Act, "Single Origin Coffee" refers to coffee 
beans sourced from a single geographic location or region within the Philippines, specifically from 
one farm or a collective of farms within that distinct area. The coffee must exhibit unique flavor 
profiles and characteristics attributed to the specific climate, soil, and agricultural practices of the 
region. 
 SEC. 4. Establishment of a Certification System for Single Origin Coffee. — The 
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is hereby directed to establish a certification system for 
single origin coffee produced in the Philippines. The system shall include, but not be limited to, 
the following components: 
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a. The DTI, in consultation with relevant stakeholders including the Department of 
Agriculture (DA), National Coffee Research Development and Extension Center 
(NCRDEC), and local coffee growers’ associations, shall develop comprehensive 
standards for what constitutes a single origin coffee. These standards shall include 
geographical indicators, farming practices, processing methods, and traceability 
requirements. 
 
b. The DTI shall create a transparent and accessible process for certifying single origin 
coffee. This process shall include criteria for farm inspections, verification of 
origin, and quality assessments conducted by accredited third-party organizations 
or agencies. 
 
c. Certified single origin coffee products shall be required to bear a distinct 
certification label. This label shall include information about the specific region of 
origin, certification status, and additional details such as tasting notes and 
processing methods, to provide consumers with complete transparency. 
  
SEC. 5. Promotion and Support. — The DTI, in collaboration with other relevant agencies 
and local government units, shall undertake the following measures to support and promote 
certified single origin coffee: 
 
a. Implement campaigns to educate consumers about the unique attributes and value 
of single origin coffee; 
 
b. Facilitate access for Filipino coffee farmers to both domestic and international 
markets through trade fairs, coffee expos, and partnerships with local and global 
coffee distributors; 
 
c. Provide technical assistance, training, and financial support to key coffee-growing 
regions, including Benguet, Batangas, Bukidnon, Davao, Ilocos Sur, Ifugao, 
Kalinga, Mountain Province, Sultan Kudarat, and Sagada; and  
 
d. Promote research and development initiatives focused on improving coffee quality, 
yield, and sustainability. Collaborate with universities, research institutions, and 
agricultural experts to advance the coffee sector. 
 
SEC. 6. Reporting and Accountability. — The DTI shall establish a monitoring and 
evaluation framework to assess the effectiveness of the certification system. An annual report 
detailing the impact of the certification on the coffee industry, including economic and social 
benefits, shall be submitted to Congress. 


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SEC. 7. Appropriations. — The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act shall 
be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. Additional funding may be sourced from 
grants, donations, and partnerships with private entities and international organizations. 
  
SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within ninety (90) days from the 
effectivity of this Act, the DTI, in coordination with the DA, DOST, NCRDEC, and other pertinent 
agencies, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of 
this Act.  
 
    
 SEC. 9. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or 
unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect. 
 
     
SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations or parts 
thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
     
SEC. 11. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
     
 
 
Approved,