As part of the Provincial Government of Batangas’ observance of National Heritage Month this May, a book launch was held on May 6, 2025, featuring the work of two Batangueño authors. The event took place at the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) Conference Area, Capitol Compound, Batangas City.
Titled “Mapping Out the Batangueño Identity: The Batangas Kapeng Barako,” the book was written by Mr. Jose Alilio and Dr. Lionel Buenaflor, both active members of the Batangas History Society (BHS). It focuses on the rich history of kapeng barako and its deep ties to the identity of Batangas. The book also aims to strengthen the connection between this unique coffee variety and the province’s culture and tourism, while contributing to the preservation and promotion of this local heritage product.
The event was organized by PTCAO and BHS and was attended by key provincial and cultural leaders. Among the guests were Governor Hermilando Mandanas, Batangas First Lady Atty. Angelica Chua-Mandanas, Provincial Administrator Wilfredo Racelis, PTCAO Officer-in-Charge Stephanie Landicho-Ona, Provincial Planning and Development Officer Marisa Mendoza, Provincial Librarian Alexander Lunar, BHS President Lino Atienza, and Batangas Culture and Arts Council Chairperson Sylvia Marasigan. Also present were University of Batangas President Lily Marlene Hernandez-Bohn along with Mr. Alex Ramos and Dr. Abegayle Machelle Perez-Chua and Philippine Coffee Board President Pacita Juan. The event was also attended by government employees, students, academicians, coffee enthusiasts, and the authors’ family and friends.
Dr. Buenaflor emphasized that the book is not just about coffee, but about reclaiming a long-standing identity. He and Alilio discussed how kapeng barako, once a major agricultural product in the 19th century, suffered a decline due to crop disease and waning interest in farming in the 1980s. Today, they said, there is a need to revive both the industry and the story behind it.
The University of Batangas (UB), one of the main institutional supporters of the project, plays a key role in this advocacy. UB President Hernandez-Bohn underscored the university’s commitment to cultural development and local innovation, stating that the university continues to bridge academic research with real-world relevance. President Bohn emphasized the university’s role in preserving local heritage through research and community collaboration. She noted that UB is working to connect education with real-world issues, especially in agriculture and culture. “This is about making sure that our local knowledge and traditions are valued and sustained,” she said.
Dr. Chua added that the initiative is not just about coffee. It’s about changing the narrative around agriculture and local industries. “We want to turn grassroots knowledge into something that has national and global value,” she said.
The launch event highlighted not only Batangas’ legacy as a coffee producer, but also its potential to lead in cultural preservation and agricultural innovation.