𝗟𝗔 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗗 𝗙𝗔𝗥𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗜𝗡 𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘-𝗖𝗔𝗖𝗔𝗢 𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗧

Apart from its usual “Strawberry” title, La Trinidad has cemented its place as a key producer of high-quality Arabica coffee during the 1st Tinapong Benguet Coffee Festival, held yesterday, March 23, at the Capitol Covered Court.

Carrying the theme, “Brewing Prosperity in Coffee and Cacao for a Healthier Benguet,” the festival showcased the municipality’s strong performance in the Benguet Coffee and Cacao Quality Competition, where all three of the town’s entries ranked in the top 10 out of 32 entries from 12 municipalities.

Rodelio Carame of Sagpawe, Shilan, took home the top prize with his coffee earning a specialty grade of 83.44%.

Its flavor profile featured complex notes of rum, tropical fruit, chico, stone fruit, raisins, sugarcane, wine, molasses, dark chocolate, spices, berries, and slight floral hints.

While Allan Canam, also from Shilan, secured 6th place with a score of 82.19%, distinguished by notes of rum, tropical fruits, whisky, citrus, nuttiness, cacao, and berry.

Additionally, Rodrigo Tacdoy Jr. of Aduyon, Talingguroy, Wangal, placed 8th with a score of 81.81%, with notes of wine and rum, tropical fruits, nuttiness, floral hints, sugar, and wood.

As for the Cacao Quality Category, Mylene Segundo and Theresita Bugtong received consolation prizes for their participation.

The municipalities of Sablan, Kapangan, and Tublay particularly topped the leaderboards for this competition.

During the event, Vice Governor Marie Rose Fongwan-Kepes encouraged coffee farmers to target niche markets and incorporate storytelling into their production to add value.

She emphasized the importance of resilience, agility, creativity, sustainability, and human connection.

Provincial Agriculturist Delinia Juan added that the coffee and cacao quality competition should help shift the industry from being volume-driven to value-driven.

Apart from enhancing its programs to better support local coffee and cacao producers, the Municipal Agriculture Office has also distributed equipment such as drying nets and beds, moisture meters and pulpers through the assistance of the Provincial Agriculture Office, DA-CAR, and DTI-Benguet.

Mayor Roderick Awingan congratulated both winners and participants alike, reiterating that farmers remain the true backbone of the town.

Author & Photographer: 𝘊𝘊. 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘰𝘴

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