To help revive Batangas’ rich coffee heritage, the Figaro Foundation, in collaboration with the local government and the Batangas Coffee Federation, hosted the “Figaro Coffee Tree Planting 2024: From Crop to Cup” event.
Held in Barangay Malabanan, Balete, Batangas, the event focused on promoting the cultivation of Liberica Coffee–commonly known as Barako–and supporting the local coffee farming community. This initiative aims to rejuvenate Barako Coffee, a native Liberica variety celebrated for its bold flavor and deep cultural roots in the region, which is in danger of extinction.
Over 100 participants took part, planting more than 1,000 Liberica seedlings donated by the Figaro Coffee Foundation to the Batangas Coffee Federation.
The Figaro Foundation has pledged to conduct biannual maintenance and cleaning of the areas where the coffee seedlings were planted, ensuring their growth and sustainability over the next two years.
The event was graced by Ace Azarraga, FCG Brand and Partnership director; Mayor Wilson Maralit of Balete, Batangas; Arnold Malabataan, chairman of the Batangas Coffee Federation; Michael Roma, representative from the Department of Agriculture; Meliza Altamirano, principal of Emilia L. Malabanan Integrated School; Maria Nina Maralit, director of Batangas Organic and Natural Farming Agriculture Cooperative (BONFAC); Armando Maralit, barangay captain of Malabanan; and celebrities like actress and singer Geneva Cruz, and Viva artists Zsara Llaxamana, Cristy Imperial, Sahara Bernales, and Lea Bernales.
Azarraga emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “The Figaro Foundation’s mission is to restore the glory of barako coffee in the Philippines.”
Mayor Wilson Maralit shared his vision for the province, saying, “We aim to restore Batangas’ status as the coffee capital of the Philippines. Together with the Figaro Foundation, we will continue to support the coffee farmers of Batangas.”
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by key stakeholders.
