As part of the 2025 Coffee Month celebration, the City Government of Isabela, under the leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, through the City Agriculture Office, conducted a three-day coffee production training dubbed KAPEsabela: From Farm to Cup – Elevating the Local Coffee Experience, held from October 7 to 9.
This initiative forms part of the broader KAPEsabela Program — one of the flagship programs of Mayor Dadah aimed at reviving and revitalizing the local coffee industry in Isabela City. Through KAPEsabela, the city envisions transforming coffee farming into a sustainable, inclusive, and youth-driven enterprise that uplifts local livelihoods and strengthens the city’s identity as a coffee-growing hub in Basilan.
Facilitated by KAPEsabela Focal Person Jonathan Pedillon, the training featured a series of informative modules guiding participants through every stage of coffee production — from planting and cultivation to harvesting and rejuvenation. Participants included members of the 4-H Club Isabela City, the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP), the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), and out-of-school youth (OSYs).
The participants engaged in six interactive modules: Isabela City Coffee Situationer, Techniques in Coffee Growing, Coffee Planting Establishment, Plantation Care and Management, Harvesting and Post-Harvest Operations, and Coffee Rejuvenation.
The training concluded with an exchange of insights and learnings among participants, followed by closing remarks from City GAD Focal Person Mendry Ann Lim, who emphasized that empowering farmers—especially the youth, both men and women—plays a vital role in building resilient and inclusive communities.
Through the KAPEsabela Program, the City Agriculture Office continues to promote agricultural innovation, local enterprise development, and capacity building, helping farmers and young people become more productive, empowered, and future-ready—one coffee bean at a time. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
