Davao Region’s famed cacao and coffee industries take center stage as the Department of Tourism XI (DOT XI) formally launched the Cacao and Coffee Tours during a special edition of PEP Talks on July 11 at SM Lanang.

The initiative aims to position Davao’s cacao and coffee not just as agricultural products but as immersive cultural and experiential tourism offerings, connecting visitors to the people and processes behind every cup and bar.

DOT XI Regional Director Tanya Rabat-Tan said the tours respond to the growing demand for authentic, meaningful travel experiences while boosting farmers’ livelihoods and local pride.

“We need to always create something new so tourists would stay longer. We want visitors to meet the communities behind the coffee and chocolate they enjoy — to understand their stories, culture, and hard work,” she said.

The media launch brought together key partners, including Department of Trade and Industry XI Regional Director Romeo Castanaga, Department of Agriculture XI Regional Technical Director for Operations Marie Ann Magno Constantino, Davao Region Cacao Industry Council President Dante Toto Muyco Jr., and Davao Regional Coffee Council’s Gerome Sumagaysay.

They were joined by representatives of DOT-accredited tour operators and Davao City Tourism who have started running the tours as part of the region’s expanded tourism circuits.

Castanaga emphasized that the tours are also an awareness program:

“It’s time we show the stories behind the products — the farmers, the practices, and how these industries contribute to our communities and economy. This also inspires the younger generation to take part in agriculture,” he said.

DA’s Constantino highlighted the region’s leadership in both crops, being the country’s cacao capital – producing nearly 80% of the Philippines’ supply and home to internationally awarded coffee growers, particularly around Mt. Apo. She stressed that such initiatives reinforce collaboration among sectors to sustain production, strengthen markets, and promote domestic and international recognition.

Representatives of the private sector underscored how the tours deepen tourists’ appreciation for the immense effort and tradition behind cacao and coffee production. Muyco recounted how Davao’s resurgence in cacao production since 2010 has placed the region on the global stage, with local beans consistently winning at the Cacao of Excellence Awards.

“These stories deserve to be heard — of our farmers, our women chocolatiers, and the culture of chocolate and coffee that goes back centuries,” he said.

Sumagaysay added that transparency and connection are key to elevating the coffee experience:

“Consumers want to know the farmer, the process, the story behind each cup. This tour is an opportunity to connect them with our nature, our farmers, and our world-class coffee,” he shared.

The tours, which include farm visits, museum stops, lectures, demonstrations, and tasting sessions, are seen as a template for expanding tourism circuits and inspiring similar initiatives across the country. Rabat-Tan said the goal is to reach even more farms and communities in the region to showcase their potential.

With support from DA and DTI, further investments in production support, research, training, and marketing are underway. DA revealed it has allocated ₱17 million for 2025 to support coffee and cacao farmers through planting materials, fertilizers, tools, infrastructure, and capacity-building programs.

The launch also signaled a call to local governments and businesses to integrate local cacao and coffee into more establishments, promoting both domestic consumption and international competitiveness.

As Rabat-Tan put it:

“This is just the start. By working closely with our partners, we can optimize the tourism and agricultural potential of the region and create lasting impact for our communities.”

The Cacao and Coffee Tours are now offered by accredited tour operators across Davao Region.

PEP Talks is a bimonthly press forum by DOT XI and SM Lanang that highlights tourism developments in the region.