DAGUPAN CITY – The Baguionas Farmers and Coffee Growers Association (BFCGA) in Barangay Libbo, Bagulin town is now running the first coffee processing facility of La Union.

The 78-square-meter facility was funded P2.9 million through Republic Act 7171 of the Support for Virginia Tobacco Farmers Act. The construction began on Nov. 18, 2024 and was completed on May 29 this year. The deed of donation was signed Sept. 4.

BFCGA president Lapicto Bugtong expressed gratitude for the support, saying the facility would significantly improve the livelihood of their 33 farmer-members who collectively cultivate 30.55 hectares and yield about 400 kilograms of green coffee cherries annually.

“We are truly grateful for the facilities provided to us by the provincial government as they greatly contribute to our livelihood, especially for our members and the community. They serve as a source of income and a means of support for our daily lives,” he said.

The members of the association are mostly robusta coffee farmers from the Indigenous Peoples community. They now supply coffee beans to well-known establishments in the surfing town of San Juan.

Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega emphasized the province’s commitment to elevating La Union as a premier coffee producer not just in the Philippines, but globally.

"Together, we will elevate this industry so that our province earns recognition not only across the Philippines but on the global stage as a premier coffee producer. And this is just the beginning, there is still so much more we will offer for you,” Ortega said in a statement on Saturday.

LA UNION PHOTO