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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No.3251

Introduced by Abang Lingkod Party-list Representative
Manuel “Manman” 0. Ko

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Republic Act No. 7900, otherwise known as the “High Value Crops
Development Act of 1995,” recognizes the importance of traditional and
plantation crops—including coffee and cocoa—as part of the country’s
high-value commercial crops. This legal framework has paved the way for
government support and investment in these crops, which have grown in
both economic importance and cultural significance in the Philippines.

In recent years, coffee and cocoa have experienced a remarkable
resurgence, not only in terms of production but also as expressions of
Filipino agricultural artistry. The Philippines is gaining recognition for its
specialty coffees and fine-flavor cocoa varieties, reflecting the
commitment of local farmers to quality and innovation in cultivation,
harvesting, and processing.

The coffee industry, in particular, has undergone a renaissance, fueled
by rising local and international demand for specialty brews that
showcase unique Filipino flavors and terroir. Across regions such as
Benguet, Batangas, and Bukidnon, smallholder farmers and cooperatives
have transformed coffee production from a subsistence activity into an
artisanal, value-added enterprise, blending traditional practices with
modern techniques.

Similarly, the cocoa industry is gaining traction as a source of
high-value, sustainable income for many farmers. Philippine cocoa beans
are increasingly sought after for their fine flavor, supporting a niche
market that values careful post-harvest handling and bean
processing—reflecting a deep artistry in transforming raw beans into
premium products.

Despite this growth and the emerging reputation for quality, challenges
persist. Farmers continue to struggle with pests and diseases, climate
variability, low yields, and limited access to improved planting materials


and technologies. These constraints hamper the full potential of these
industries and the livelihoods they support.

To address these challenges and capitalize on the industry's rising
profile, this bill proposes the establishment of the National Coffee and
Cocoa Research Center (NCCRC). This Center will serve as a dedicated
hub for research, innovation, and extension services tailored specifically
for coffee and cocoa production in the Philippines.

The NCCRC’s key functions will include:

* Conducting advanced research on varietal improvement, pest
and disease control, climate adaptation, and post-harvest
technologies;
* Developing and promoting sustainable and innovative farming
and processing techniques that enhance both quality and
productivity;

* Preserving and elevating the artistry and cultural heritage
embedded in Filipino coffee and cocoa farming through
capacity-building and community engagement;

* Coordinating efforts among government agencies, local
research institutions, farmer cooperatives, and the private sector to
foster industry growth and competitiveness;

© Supporting initiatives to expand market access domestically
and internationally, thereby increasing farmers’ incomes and rural
development.

Institutionalizing this Center is essential to nurture the flourishing coffee
and cocoa sectors, safeguard the artistry and tradition of Filipino
farmers, and ensure the sustainable growth of these industries in the
global marketplace.

In light of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly
sought.

Manuel /Maninan” O. Ko


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 3291

Introduced by Abang Lingkod Party-list Representative
Manuel “Manman” O. Ko

AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE NATIONAL COFFEE AND COCOA
RESEARCH CENTER (NCCRC), DEFINING ITS FUNCTIONS AND
SCOPE OF WORK, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Title - This Act shall be known as the "National Coffee and
Cocoa Research Center Act of 2025."

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy - It is hereby declared the policy of
the State to promote agricultural productivity, competitiveness,
sustainability, and rural development through science-based research
and development (R&D). Recognizing the economic potential of coffee and
cocoa as high-value crops, the State shall establish a specialized
research center to lead innovation and capacity-building for the
Philippine coffee and cocoa industries.

SECTION 3. Establishment of the National Coffee and Cocoa
Research Center (NCCRC) - There is hereby established a National
Coffee and Cocoa Research Center (NCCRC), hereinafter referred to as
the “Center,” which shall be under the supervision of the Department of
Agriculture (DA) and in close collaboration with the Department of
Science and Technology (DOST) and relevant State Universities and
Colleges (SUCs).

The Center may be hosted in a designated SUC with a proven track
record in coffee and cocoa research, such as Sultan Kudarat State
University (SKSU) or Cavite State University (CvSU), subject to a
memorandum of agreement with the DA.

SECTION 4. Mandate and Scope of Work - The NCCRC shall be the
national research, development, and innovation hub for the coffee and
cocoa sectors in the Philippines. Its scope of work shall include, but not
be limited to, the following:


A. Crop Research and Development
1, Develop and improve high-yielding, climate-resilient, and

pest-resistant coffee and cacao varieties suitable for Philippine
conditions.

2. Maintain germplasm banks and conduct breeding programs for
genetic improvement.

B. Integrated Pest and Disease Management

1, Identify, monitor, and manage major pests and diseases affecting
coffee and cacao.

2. Develop and promote integrated pest and disease management
strategies, including organic and biological control.

C. Climate Resilience and Sustainability

1. Research and promote climate-smart agricultural practices for
coffee and cacao.

2. Support sustainable farming systems, including agroforestry and
soil conservation.

D. Soil and Nutrient Management

1. Conduct soil fertility assessments and develop fertilization
guidelines specific to various growing regions.

2. Promote regenerative and organic soil management practices.

E. Post-Harvest and Value Addition

1. Improve post-harvest techniques, including fermentation, drying,
grading, and storage.

2. Support product development, quality standards, and value-added
processing.

F. Extension, Training, and Capacity Building

1. Develop and deliver training programs for farmers, cooperatives,
LGUs, and other stakeholders.

2. Produce extension materials and conduct field demonstrations and
technology roll-outs.

G. Policy and Institutional Support


1. Provide technical inputs to national and regional policy
frameworks, including the Coffee and Cacao Industry Roadmaps.

2. Support the development and implementation of certification
schemes (e.g., Organic, GAP, Fair Trade).

H. Research Collaboration and Networking

1. Partner with local and international R&D institutions, NGOs, and
the private sector.

2. Facilitate joint research programs, funding proposals, and
knowledge exchanges.

I, Data and Impact Monitoring

1, Establish a national database and knowledge management system
for coffee and cacao R&D.

2. Conduct periodic impact assessments and market studies.
J. Expropriation

1. Expropriate lands for purposes of experimental farming, on-farm
research and development and processing, and the establishment of
needed facilities.

K. Inclusive and Sustainable Development

1, Promote the participation of women, youth, and indigenous
peoples in the coffee and cacao value chains.

2. Align programs with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
and national climate commitments.

SECTION 5. Organizational Structure and Staffing- The Center shall
be headed by a Director, who shall be appointed by the Secretary of
Agriculture. The Director shall be supported by qualified technical and
administrative personnel, including researchers, scientists, extension
specialists, and support staff, as may be necessary for the effective
performance of its mandate.

SECTION 6. Appropriations- The initial funding for the establishment
and operation of the NCCRC shall be charged against the current year’s
budget of the Department of Agriculture. Thereafter, such sums as may
be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be
included in the annual General Appropriations Act.


The Center may also receive grants, donations, and other forms of
financial support from domestic and international sources, subject to
existing laws.

SECTION 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).-Within ninety
(90) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Agriculture,
in coordination with DOST, SUCs, PCAARRD, and other stakeholders,
shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to implement the
provisions of this Act.

SECTION 8. Separability Clause- If any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not affected shall remain
in full force and effect.

SECTION 9. Repealing Clause- All laws, executive orders, rules, and
regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly.

SECTION 10. Effectivity Clause- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15)
days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2)
newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,