03/09/2026
๐๐๐ ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฃ๐๐๐ญ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐จ๐ฒ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ก๐จ๐จ๐ ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฌ
TUBUNGAN, ILOILO โ September 3, 2026. The Project Management Committee of the Municipality of Tubungan convened for a comprehensive meeting to strengthen the implementation of Maguey Cafe: A Community-Based Coffee Shop and Agri-Eco Tourism Livelihood Project, pursuant to Executive Order No. 2026-097. With a strong focus on employment and livelihood generation, the initiative seeks to transform Tubunganโs coffee and agricultural resources, together with its tourism potential, into sustainable economic opportunities for local residents, farmers, workers, and aspiring entrepreneurs.
The activity opened with a prayer led by Mrs. Charlyn Tuazon, MPESO Admin Aide IV and Assistant Project Coordinator, whose participation forms part of the continuing coordination and administrative support for the project.
Mrs. Emelyn E. Tano, MPESO Head and Project Coordinator, presented the Maguey Cafe project concept and progress report, highlighting its potential to create direct and indirect employment in cafรฉ operations, food preparation, coffee production and processing, agriculture, tourism services, and the supply of locally produced products.
The committee also discussed the roles and functions of the Project Management Team, presented by Mrs. Glecy Tamonan, HRMO, and the DENR-CENRO Guimbal advisory presented by Mrs. Jonalyn Tagalan, OIC-MENRO.
A significant highlight was the message of Hon. Roquito G. Tacsagon, Municipal Mayor of Tubungan, who provided direction and shed light on the deeper purpose of Maguey Cafe. He emphasized that the project should go beyond establishing a coffee shop and instead become a long-term investment in the people of Tubungan, creating opportunities for employment, livelihood, entrepreneurship, and community participation. His message underscored the importance of maximizing local resources and strengthening convergence among the local government, farmers, community organizations, and partner institutions so that the benefits of the project can reach the grassroots and contribute to a stronger local economy.
Sangguniang Bayan Member Francisco โIkeโ Gallego, Jr. presented the briefing on the Comprehensive Development and Management Plan (CDMP), providing guidance on the projectโs sustainable planning and management. Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Jekyll Julian Dulawan, Commanding Officer of the 61st Infantry Battalion, 3ID, Philippine Army, delivered a message of commitment and support, emphasizing that Maguey Cafe can be a key toward peace and development by creating productive livelihood opportunities and empowering communities. Messages of commitment were likewise shared by Mrs. Gina Esquilarga, President of the Igtuble Farmers Association, Inc.; Mr. Monsino Tacaisan, representing FRIENDSโTubungan; and Punong Barangay Jovita Berbidel of Igpaho, reflecting the strong support of farmers, community organizations, and local leaders.
The meeting proceeded with an open forum, discussion of agreements, and identification of succeeding actions, and concluded with a closing message from Municipal Tourism Officer Mrs. Marlyn Tagudar. Also in attendance were ENP Joemarie Tagat, Engr. Zoilo Perfecto Gargaritano, Mr. Orlando Tacsagon, and representatives of Ms. Marjorie Tacardon and Diadem Pearl Tamara.
For MPESO, Maguey Cafe embodies a people-centered approach to developmentโconnecting employment facilitation, skills, entrepreneurship, agriculture, coffee, and tourism to create meaningful opportunities and strengthen household incomes. More than a destination for coffee, Maguey Cafe aims to become a platform where jobs are created, livelihoods are strengthened, local products are promoted, and communities are empowered.
