La Union Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega wants to transform his province into a world-class coffee producer even as the Baguionas Farmers and Coffee Growers Association in Barangay Libbo, Bagulin town, attained management control of the first coffee processing facility in the province.
Governor 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 Sept. 6.
The 78-square-meter coffee processing plant in Bagulin, got a P2.9-million funding through Republic Act 7171 or the “Support for Virginia Tobacco Farmers Act.” The construction began on Nov. 18, 2024 and was completed on May 29, 2025. The deed of donation was signed on Thursday, Sept. 4, in an event presided over by Ortega.
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 produce 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. (PNA)
