Unity and collaboration took center stage at the La Trinidad Municipal Grounds on February 18, 2026, during the 9th La Trinidad Coffee Festival, themed “Seng-ew ni Kape, Ulnos ni Umili” (Brewing Unity Through Coffee).

Representing the TESDA-CAR ARD Glenn Murphy was TESDA Benguet Acting Provincial Director Arlene L. Cadalig. She highlighted that coffee is more than an agricultural product; it reflects the Cordilleran spirit of resilience, culture, and shared progress. She reaffirmed TESDA’s continued support through skills training, enterprise development, and innovative programs for farmers and entrepreneurs.

The celebration included the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Coffee Product Fair, showcasing quality local coffee products. La Trinidad Mayor Roderick C. Awingan delivered a heartfelt message emphasizing that the coffee industry plays a vital role in boosting the local economy. He stressed that government initiatives cannot succeed alone and called for collective support, prayers, collaboration, and strong partnerships among stakeholders.

Support was likewise expressed by Hon. Yoshito Arisaka, Mayor of Minamimaki, Japan, reinforcing international friendship and cooperation, and by Benguet Governor Melchor D. Diclas, who conveyed the province’s commitment to strengthening the coffee sector. Line agencies, including TESDA Benguet, pledged their continued assistance to the industry.

Further promoting global collaboration, APD Cadalig facilitated a coffee-sharing session and best practice exchange with TESDA Benguet’s partners, the Korean Coffee Association and Baguio JIC Academy, led by Regional Director Daniel Jang, fostering a stronger Philippines–Korea partnership. He highlighted growing unity and partnership between the Philippines and Korea.

Brian Patrick Pobre, Academic Director of JIC, guided participants in coffee tasting and aroma appreciation, while Jolico Javier, Director of Sky Enterprise, introduced agricultural drone technology for wet and dry farming systems to support crop health monitoring. Three coffee varieties-Guatemala, Ethopia Wash, and Ethopia Natural-were also presented during the activity.

The festival reaffirmed that through unity, innovation, and shared commitment, the Cordillera coffee industry can thrive and compete on a broader stage.

Basta’t sama-sama, kayang-kaya.

Mabuhay ang La Trinidad Coffee Festival 2026!