06/12/2025
Must be!!
Baguio coffee to be geotagged
By Frank Cimatu
BAGUIO Councilor Van Dicang has introduced a measure that would require all coffee processors and traders in the city to disclose where their beans come from, when they were produced, and what varieties or blend compositions they contain.
The ordinance, now pending committee review, seeks to establish a system that promotes transparency in the cityβs coffee market and gives local farmers and roasters a fair chance in an industry increasingly sensitive to origin and quality.
Dicang said the proposal intends to boost competitiveness while ensuring that buyers know precisely what they are paying for.
If approved, the measure would require all coffee products sold or processed in Baguio to carry clear labels stating the beansβ origin, the roasting or production date, and the specific variety used. For blended products, the exact percentage of each component would have to be spelled out on packaging, printed visibly in both English and Filipino.
Blend percentages must be placed directly beside product names, according to the draft.
Under the proposal, processors and traders would also be obligated to submit product samples and label proofs to the Department of Trade and Industry or an accredited regulatory office for verification.
Mislabeling or noncompliance could result in penalties under the Consumer Act and existing DTI regulations, signaling a potentially tighter enforcement environment for sellers accustomed to less scrutiny.
The ordinance outlines the creation of a Technical Working Group chaired by the mayor and co-chaired by the City Veterinary and Agriculture Office.
The group would inspect products, validate label claims, and maintain a record of violations. It would also oversee business permit clearances for coffee enterprises and lead efforts to improve labeling practices and quality standards across the sector.
Dicangβs proposal draws on national rules, including DTI Administrative Order No. 15-01, which mandates full disclosure of product origin and composition. The City Council approved the ordinance on first reading on Nov. 1 and referred it to the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Agriculture for further review.
