By Kenneth Marcos 
In the cool highlands of Bukidnon, farmers, growers, and community leaders gathered with a shared goal: finding stable and sustainable ways to earn a living while protecting the land they depend on. For many in Northern Mindanao, coffee trees and bamboo groves are more than crops. They are seen as long-term answers to poverty, climate risks, and food insecurity.
From January 21 to 23, 2026, stakeholders from across Northern Mindanao met in Malaybalay City for the Production Investment Forum for Coffee and Bamboo. The three-day event aimed to build a collaborative investment platform to support sustainable agroforestry and ensure the long-term growth of the coffee and bamboo industries in the region.
The forum focused on presenting commodity investment plans that combine coffee and bamboo-based agroforestry. This approach integrates tree crops with farming systems, allowing farmers to earn income while improving soil quality, reducing erosion, and helping protect watersheds. Organizers said the strategy is designed to attract responsible investments and open more opportunities for local producers.
Participants included coffee and bamboo growers, industry players, and members of the Agricultural and Fishery Councils from different provinces in Northern Mindanao. Indigenous Peoples actively involved in coffee and bamboo production also took part, alongside members of the National Sectoral Committee on Coffee and the National Sectoral Committee on Fiber Crops.
Discussions highlighted the growing demand for both commodities. Philippine coffee consumption continues to rise, while local production still falls short of national demand. Bamboo, on the other hand, is gaining attention as a versatile and fast-growing resource used in construction, furniture, handicrafts, and even climate-resilient housing. When managed properly, bamboo can be harvested regularly without damaging the environment.
Forum speakers emphasized that linking coffee and bamboo through agroforestry can help smallholder farmers diversify their income. Coffee provides seasonal earnings, while bamboo offers additional and often faster returns. This combination can reduce farmers’ dependence on a single crop and make them more resilient to price changes and extreme weather.
Special attention was given to the role of Indigenous Peoples. Many IP communities already manage ancestral lands rich in forest and upland resources. By supporting IP-led agroforestry projects, the program aims to protect traditional knowledge while creating legal and sustainable livelihood opportunities. Participants stressed that inclusive investments are key to ensuring that benefits reach communities on the ground.
Government agencies and partner institutions also discussed access to financing, market linkages, and technical support. Farmers often struggle with limited capital, lack of processing facilities, and weak connections to buyers. The proposed investment platform seeks to address these gaps by encouraging cooperation between the public sector, private investors, and farmer groups.
The forum also aligned with the government’s broader push for sustainable agriculture and rural development. Agroforestry projects like coffee and bamboo planting support food security, job creation, and climate action. Trees help absorb carbon, protect biodiversity, and reduce the impact of floods and landslides, which frequently affect upland areas.
By the end of the forum, participants agreed on the need for continued dialogue and coordination. Building a strong coffee and bamboo sector will require long-term commitment, clear policies, and sustained investment. For farmers in Northern Mindanao, the hope is that these efforts will translate into stable incomes and healthier landscapes for future generations.
As the region looks to balance economic growth with environmental care, the Malaybalay forum marked an important step toward making sustainable agroforestry a practical and profitable choice for communities across Northern Mindanao.
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