The Provincial Government of Batangas, in collaboration with the Batangas Technical Working Group for Coffee, proudly celebrated the Batangas Coffee Day 2024. This year’s theme, “Atin To!: Liberica ay Tangkilikin, Tunay na Kapeng Barako ang Higupin”, emphasized the importance of local Liberica coffee and the enduring legacy of Kapeng Barako in Batangas. The event took place on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 7:30 AM at the University of Batangas Millennium Gymnasium in Batangas City. This celebration served as a tribute to the significant role of coffee in the daily lives and heritage of Batangueños. Kapeng Barako, known for its bold flavor, was deeply rooted in the culture and history of Batangas, symbolizing resilience and tradition. As the core of the event, coffee was honored not only as a beloved beverage but also as an integral part of the province’s identity.
In addition to highlighting coffee’s cultural relevance, the event sought to promote the growth of a sustainable coffee industry, ensuring that local coffee production continued to thrive for generations to come. The celebration featured discussions on coffee sustainability, exhibitions, and activities aimed at showcasing the richness of Batangas’ coffee heritage. Everyone was invited to join in this celebration of Batangas’ iconic coffee culture, with special encouragement extended to members of the Batangas History Society to participate in this important event celebrating both the past and the future of the province’s coffee industry. Batangas Coffee Day 2024 featured several coffee shop participants, including Mataas na Kayo Coffee Farmers Association – Site Barakos Coffee, Itaewon St. Cafe, Kapetsana, and Siete Baracos Coffee. Key guests and attendees included Dr. Rodrigo M. Bautista, Jr., Provincial Agriculturist of Batangas; Mr. Wilfredo Racelis, Provincial Administrator; Dr. Katrin Erika Buted, Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office Head; EnP. Marissa Mendoza, Provincial Planning and Development Office Officer-In-Charge; Ms. Lily Marlene J. Hernandez-Bohn, University of Batangas President; Mr. Jansel Silva, OPAg Representative; other members from TWA; and representatives from DTI Batangas, the Batangas City Government, DOST, the Department of Agriculture, and TESDA Batangas.
The celebration of Batangas Coffee Day 2024 began with a ceremonial tree planting of a coffee tree, symbolizing growth and sustainability, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open various coffee booth concessionaires. These booths showcased the rich diversity of local coffee products and highlighted the creativity of Batangueño coffee entrepreneurs. Key guests in attendance included Dr. Rodrigo M. Bautista, Jr., Provincial Agriculturist of Batangas, along with representatives from DTI Batangas, the Batangas City Government, DOST, the Department of Agriculture, and TESDA Batangas. These distinguished guests not only expressed their support for the event but also shared insights into the history of Batangas coffee, focusing on best practices and the latest innovations in coffee production.
The University of Batangas not only supports the importance of preserving Kapeng Barako’s legacy but also aims to promote and encourage the continued development of the local coffee industry.