Quezon Province’s 2nd District, under the leadership of Deputy Speaker Rep. David “Jay-Jay” C. Suarez, is a testament to agricultural innovation and cultural richness.
Comprising of Quezon Province’s largest and capital city Lucena as well as the municipalities of Candelaria, Sariaya, and Dolores — the district is at the heart of the province’s Coffee Belt Road—a key project aimed at revitalizing the local coffee industry and enhancing infrastructure.
Revitalizing the Coffee Industry
The Coffee Belt Road, initiated in 2022, is a transformative project that spans nearly 15 kilometers, with a budget of approximately P820 million. This farm-to-market road network is designed to facilitate the efficient transport of coffee from the farms around Mt. Banahaw to the markets in the town proper of Sariaya, Candelaria, and Dolores. This infrastructure development is not only a boon for coffee farmers but also a significant step towards recognizing Quezon’s coffee as a premier product of the region.
Empowering Farmers
Historically, much of the coffee grown in the region was processed in Batangas, which often meant that Quezon’s contribution to the coffee industry went unrecognized. Addressing this, the ALONA Partylist, led by Rep. Anna Villaraza-Suarez, established a Coffee Processing Center in Brgy. Masalukot IV, Candelaria. Candelaria’s new Coffee Processing Center cuts out middlemen, reducing costs and increasing profits for local farmers. This initiative ensures Quezon’s coffee gains recognition, empowering local growers.
Boosting Tourism and Culture
The Coffee Belt Road also promotes tourism by improving access to the picturesque landscapes and cultural heritage sites in Sariaya and Dolores. This dual focus on agriculture and tourism showcases the district’s commitment to holistic development.
Addressing Challenges
Despite its potential, the coffee industry faces challenges such as low productivity and profit margins. Strategies under the Suarezes’ leadership include rejuvenating aging coffee trees, expanding production areas, and improving market access. These initiatives aim to enhance profitability and sustainability in coffee farming.
Enhancing Tourism and Culture
Under Rep. Suarez’s visionary leadership, the Coffee Belt Road exemplifies how infrastructure can drive agricultural innovation and economic growth, making Quezon Province’s Second District a model of progress and development. The focus is not only on increasing coffee production, but also on ensuring sustainable and quality coffee farming practices. The comprehensive programs—from coffee rehabilitation and area expansion to marketing and infrastructure support—highlight the district’s commitment to excellence in agriculture.
Quezon Province’s 2nd District, through the Coffee Belt Road, exemplifies how infrastructure development can drive agricultural innovation and economic growth. This initiative not only supports local farmers but also enhances the region’s cultural and natural appeal, contributing significantly to the vision of Bagong Pilipinas.
