MALAYBALAY CITY — Sixteen European Union (EU) ambassadors visited Bukidnon on January 15 to support coffee farmers and cooperatives

The trip highlighted how stronger market access and value-chain support can boost farm incomes while strengthening EU–Philippines relations through agricultural investments, trade cooperation, and joint development under the SPADe Project.

EU Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro said EU investments support agriculture-led growth across Mindanao.

“Since 2020, the EU has invested more than P9.6 billion (€140 million) in Mindanao for peace, development, and climate action. Here in Bukidnon, these efforts work together to attract business and investment,” Santoro said.

The envoys met with farmer groups, visited cooperatives, and participated in investment and policy dialogues under the Strengthening the Implementation of Regional and Local Peace and Development Agendas in Mindanao (SPADe) Project—an EU-backed initiative linking agriculture, trade, and peacebuilding.

The visit focused on expanding the coffee value chain by boosting production, connecting farmers to domestic and European markets, and strengthening cooperatives.

Ambassadors also toured and sampled Bukidnon products, including coffee, abaca, and cocoa, at a lively marketplace exhibit.

Jointly funded by the EU and the German government and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), SPADe is part of the Mindanao Peace and Development Programme–Rise Mindanao (MinPAD-Rise). It trains farmers in climate-smart practices, upgrades farm-to-market roads and water systems, and strengthens agri-cooperatives, helping Bukidnon become the Philippines’ Arabica coffee production hub.

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri said a planned Philippines-EU free trade agreement could open European markets to Bukidnon coffee and other agricultural products.

“Very soon, we will have a free trade agreement with the EU. This gives our farmers and producers a market to tap, just as we can also access EU products that are not available in the Philippines,” Zubiri said.

Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque thanked the EU for supporting programs that help farmers meet market standards and improve competitiveness.

“The EU’s support helps our farmers move from production to markets. That strengthens livelihoods and promotes peace in our communities,” Roque said.

Bukidnon officials said the diplomats’ mission boosts farmers’ productivity, aligning with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s modernization agenda. Local leaders added that the EU-Philippines partnership will transform the coffee industry by connecting Mindanao to global market networks.(BGE/PIA 10-Bukidnon)