Brewing Change: Ilonggo Noi Dongor now leads Philippine Coffee Board
Philippine Coffee Board President Jerduen 'Noi' Donger
When coffee speaks, Jerduen “Noi” Dongor listens.
“Coffee called, and I answered,” he wrote in a Facebook post that marked his historic appointment as the new President of the Philippine Coffee Board Inc. (PCBI). A quiet but resonant declaration that summed up the journey of an Ilonggo changemaker now set to influence the future of the country’s coffee industry.
Dongor, the founder of The Yield Specialty Coffee and owner of Kape Iloilo, is the first President of the Philippine Coffee Board from outside Luzon, marking a significant shift in the geography of coffee leadership in the country. His two-year term signals a stronger regional representation—and a renewed commitment to the farmers who form the backbone of the brew.
A Farmer-First Philosophy
The Philippine Coffee Board Inc., a private sector-led organization established in 2002, is committed to developing the country’s coffee industry through farmer education, sustainable practices, market development, and advocacy for Philippine-grown coffee.
Dongor’s appointment aligns perfectly with that mission. Through Kape Iloilo, he has spent years working closely with coffee-growing communities in Igbaras, Miagao, and Dingle—towns in Iloilo that are now gaining national attention for their premium-quality beans. As President of the Iloilo Coffee Council, and Vice President of PCCI – Iloilo Chapter, he has bridged the gap between producers and the specialty coffee market, often placing farmers at the center of the story.
The Yield of Vision
At The Yield Specialty Coffee, a cozy but culture-rich café nestled in Jaro, Iloilo City, Dongor has created more than just a place to sip great coffee. It’s a venue for storytelling, education, and community. Every cup served carries the signature of local terroir, and every customer becomes part of a larger narrative: supporting sustainable, ethical, and locally-rooted coffee.
[Related: The Yield Specialty Coffee elevates every sip with passion and precision]
His entrepreneurial spirit extends to Superhouse Solutions Cafe, a one-stop shop for aspiring café owners and baristas. The shop offers a wide range of coffee equipment—from espresso machines and grinders to beans and syrups—and conducts hands-on workshops such as Coffee Shop 101 and Barista 101. It’s a vital training ground for those who want to take part in the growing Philippine specialty coffee movement.
United in Purpose
“It’s a privilege to contribute to the growth and future of our beloved local coffee,” Dongor shared. “With the wisdom of the Board, the support of our dedicated PCBI Directors, members, and all stakeholders, let’s move forward—united in purpose—for the benefit of the entire Philippine coffee community. Padayon lang!”
His message is clear: this isn’t just a personal achievement—it’s a call for collective action. For inclusivity. For regional empowerment. For a coffee industry that truly reflects the diversity and richness of the Philippines.
As the country’s coffee narrative continues to evolve, one thing is certain—its newest chapter will be written with Ilonggo heart, brewed with integrity, and served with purpose.