The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Nestlé Philippines through the NESCAFÉ Plan have reaffirmed their commitment to uplifting the lives of Filipino smallholder farmers, particularly in the coffee sector, through a strengthened partnership focused on skills development and sustainable livelihoods.
TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez recently met with representatives from Nestlé Philippines to discuss expanding their collaboration, with a shared goal of empowering coffee farmers through targeted training and upskilling programs. The initiative aims to boost productivity, improve the quality of locally grown coffee, and create more sustainable economic opportunities in rural communities. Key areas of support for coffee farmers discussed during the meeting include modern training and access to technology to enhance farming techniques, logistics support and improved distribution systems, assistance with fertilizer and post-harvest processing, as well as stronger partnerships among government, industry, and local communities.
“Coffee starts with strong support from the farm all the way to your cup,” Secretary Benitez said. “Skills are the currency of the workplace, and we see that certified skills are front and center at every step of producing coffee. Proud kami sa TESDA na maging ka-partner ng Nestlé para magturo ng skills at gawing mas makabuluhan ang bawat tasa para sa farmers at consumers.”
Nestlé Philippines Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Affairs Joey Uy III emphasized the company’s commitment to working hand in hand with government in advancing the welfare of coffee farmers. “Our partnership with TESDA allows us to contribute not only to the improvement of coffee farming practices but also to the long-term resilience of farming communities,” Uy said. “By combining technical training with on-the-ground support, we can help create a more sustainable value chain—from farm to cup.”
Through this strengthened partnership, TESDA and Nestlé aim to build a more resilient coffee industry—one that begins with empowered farmers and ends with a more meaningful cup for every Filipino.
Aside from supporting the coffee industry, Nestlé and TESDA are also looking at other areas for collaboration, including the iSTAR Program, which provides entrepreneurship training for sari-sari store owners; Green TVET initiatives supporting the country’s transition to a net-zero economy; e-TESDA for online learning; Gulayan sa Paaralan; and community based training programs with local government units.
