Industry Development Division - DTI Ilocos Region

Ilocos Sur coffee farmers made history at the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC) by sweeping all 12 awards in the Robusta Naturals category.

The achievement was announced at the Philippine Coffee Expo (PCE) held from June 5 to 7, 2026, at The Space, One Ayala Mall in Makati City, marking a milestone for the local agricultural sector.

The awards highlight the expanding scale of the regional industry, as 55 coffee growers from the municipalities of Sigay, Gregorio del Pilar, Cervantes, and Salcedo represented the Ilocos Region in the category.

The 2026 Robusta Naturals winning roster

The following coffee farmers were recognized for their crop quality:

1. Krystel Anne A. Lames;
2. Mabini U. Ubuan;
3. Sherwin D. Sabloden;
4. Metecia T. Wandas;
5. Rowela S. Lames;
6. Dexter P. Daplayan;
7. Criselda C. Caleng;
8. Gina C. Cam-ani;
9. Greg C. Cadago;
10. Erlinda B. Dao-ayan;
11. Adornado D. Dilla; and
12. Rodrigo B. Cadago.
Ilocos Sur coffee farmers sweep national coffee competition Robusta awards
By Aila T. Villanueva

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𝗗𝗧𝗜 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟭 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗥𝗗𝗖-𝟭 𝗘𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀

A milestone for regional development, enterprise modernization, and cultural preservation!
DTI Region 1, through the presentation of Regional Director Merlie D. Membrere, successfully secured the endorsement of the Regional Development Council Region 1 (RDC-1) during its 2nd Quarter Full Council Meeting held today for:

✔ The PROSPER Project (Promoting Sustainability and Productivity for Enterprise Resilience) for Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) approval; and
✔ The proposal to strengthen, institutionalize, and promote the Region 1 Inabel Industry as a flagship cultural and economic product of the Ilocos Region.

The PROSPER Project is a joint initiative of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). It aims to modernize rural agro-fishery enterprises, address investment barriers, and integrate MSMEs into global value chains, thereby enhancing the productivity, resilience, and competitiveness of local enterprises nationwide.

Meanwhile, the Inabel initiative seeks to preserve and celebrate the region’s rich weaving heritage while creating greater economic opportunities for local communities. A key provision of the proposed resolution emphasizes safeguarding traditional weaving techniques from industrial processes such as sublimation printing, ensuring that authentic handwoven Inabel remains protected, valued, and sustained.

By institutionalizing the use of Inabel in uniforms, corporate wear, ceremonial garments, and branding materials, the initiative expands market opportunities for local weavers, strengthens industry competitiveness, and helps preserve this cultural heritage for future generations. Institutions are likewise encouraged to utilize Inabel in office décor, official tokens, souvenirs, and giveaways.

Also endorsed by RDC-1 for ICC approval was the Advancing Skills Competitiveness and Enterprise Development (ASCEND) Project, presented by Dr. Bjorn S. Santos of Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Similar to the PROSPER Project, ASCEND is a transformative initiative with DTI serving as the executing agency. Focused on renewable energy research, technology, and innovation, the project is expected to enhance regional competitiveness, accelerate innovation, generate quality employment opportunities, and support the region’s transition toward a more productive, sustainable, and innovation-driven economy.

These endorsements reflect RDC-1’s strong commitment to inclusive growth, innovation, cultural preservation, and the empowerment of local industries as drivers of sustainable regional development.

Rimat ti Amianan: Inabel Weaves of Ilocos Goes to San Francisco Bay Area
June 5 – 10, 2026

The Ilocos Inabel industry stands as a vital pillar of the region’s cultural heritage and creative economy, with handloom weaving traditions preserved and passed down through generations. Through the Ilocos Inabel Collective Mark Project, DTI Region 1 has successfully instituted quality standards, reinforced brand identity, and established a unified branding mechanism for Inabel products across provinces.

In line with its thrust to position Ilocos Region products as globally competitive, DTI Region 1, in partnership with the Philippine Trade & Investment Center – Silicon Valley (PTIC-SV), successfully mounted the “Rimat ti Amianan: Inabel Weaves of Ilocos Goes to San Francisco Bay Area” Trade Mission held from June 6–11, 2026. This milestone event showcased the artistry and resilience of Inabel, elevating the region’s cultural legacy while opening new pathways for international market engagement.

The Region 1 delegation, headed by RD Merlie D. Membrere, participated in the six-day mission beginning with the kick-off at Pista sa Nayon in Mare Island, Coal Sheds, Vallejo, California, where the initial product display of Inabel weaves was mounted. This was followed by a two-day Market Sensing and Business Matching Activity, providing MSMEs and stakeholders with valuable insights and opportunities for collaboration. The mission culminated in a Pop-Up Event held on June 9–10, 2026 at the Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Trade Center, California, further strengthening the visibility of Inabel in the international market.