By: Romar D. Agpes
On January 13, 2026, a meaningful collaboration meeting was held between TESDA-Benguet, represented by Acting Provincial Director Arlene Cadalig; Hon. Nestor Fongwan Jr., Councilor of La Trinidad; and Daniel Jang, President of the Philippine Korea Coffee Association and owner of Seollem Cafe. This gathering marked a shared commitment to strengthen the local coffee industry and empower communities through skills and opportunities.
The discussion underscored Seollem Cafeโs prospective involvement in upcoming coffee industry gatherings, where they can possibly feature skills demonstrations and set up a booth to connect with the public. Plans also include coffee farm visits and benchmarking activities, fostering knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practices to further support and uplift local farmers.
Equally significant was the exploration of opportunities for sourcing coffee beans directly from Benguetโs local farmers, reinforcing support for sustainable livelihoods and authentic homegrown products. The meeting also emphasized the encouragement of EBET registration for Barista NC II, opening doors for aspiring baristas to gain national certification and elevate their craft.
This collaboration embodies the spirit of partnershipโlinking education, governance, and enterprise to brew not just quality coffee, but also a stronger value chain in the coffee industry.
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