MAYOR SALDA VOWS TO SUSTAIN SUPPORT TO LOCAL COFFEE GROWERS

March 4, 2023 Provincial

La Trinidad’s Coffee Arabica quality up

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet

Mayor Romeo Salda of this capital town has vowed to sustain his administration’s support to local coffee farmers, notably with improved quality of their coffee beans and how they process, leading to the significant increased of buyers of the product. Salda made his remarks during Tuesday’s (Feb
28) program, marking the 6th La Trinidad Coffee Festival with its theme “Brewing Unity through
Coffee” held at the municipal grounds, notably attended by a modest number of local producers, buyers and also coffee lovers.

“Together with our Sangguniang Bayan (SB), presided by Vice Mayor Roderick Awingan, we will
continue supporting our farmers (coffee) such an activity like this—it will not only boost our tourism efforts , heightened the marketability of our locally produced coffee, but importantly to lift the economic condition of our farmers,” said Salda, adding that this year, his administration allocated some P2.8 million for coffee as well as strawberry production.

Part of the allocation is geared towards buying of coffee seedlings, acquiring farm inputs, research and development in order to improve further the quality of their coffee product. The local chief executive likewise boost their processing plant in Barangay LongLong, and rain catchment facilities spread in upland areas that further strengthened coffee production. The construction of said
facilities was funded by the agriculture department and partly from the local government unit.

Mayor Salda acknowledged the leadership and management of locals which led to the establishments of more associations engaged in coffee production. He also expressed his gratitude to some government line agencies to include departments of trade and industry, agriculture and
tourism, among others which pulled its resources in lifting the town’s product. Salda also noted the marketing qualities of some private enterprises, notably Henry & Sons, years the company has sustained efforts promoting their coffee product.

The morning activity was highlighted by the recognition of the “Coffee Producer of the Year 2023” and presentation of coffee cupping competition results. Allan Canam of Barangay Shilan, representing Mudaan ni Pamilja, captured the prestigious Coffee Producer of the Year Award.
While Rodrigo Tubal of Wangal , who got 84.75 percent ranked first in the coffee cupping quest followed by Mercedes Capas of Beckel, who placed second with 83.5 percent while Mary Jane Segundo of Shilan came third with 83.25 percent. Coffee farmers’ assembly punctuated the afternoon session where issues affecting the industry were discussed and possible measures presented.

Primo Agatep/ABN