Tuburan mayor showcases the town’s coffee industry in Canada

CEBU, Philippines — Tuburan’s homegrown coffee has reached a bigger international market after Tuburan Mayor Aljun Diamante in his recent visit to Canada promoted the town’s coffee industry.

Diamante, in statement, said that the momentous achievement not only brings pride to the town and its community, but also serves as a symbol of the Philippines' rich cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.

The mayor said the town’s product and Cebu’s homegrown coffee has captured the attention and admiration of the Canadian community, marking a historic milestone in its journey towards global recognition.

Led by Diamante and his wife, Tess Diamante, and daughter Jamaica, the Tuburan delegation went to the Cebuano Filipino Community in Vancouver, Canada, and was surprised with the overwhelming reception their product received.

Diamante said that the town’s coffee was not only embraced by the people but “was also honored with an unprecedented opportunity - to be showcased within the esteemed halls of the Canadian Parliament, alongside distinguished dignitaries from British Columbia, Canada.”

“This landmark event marks the first time a Filipino product has been acknowledged within the Parliament building itself, a testament to the quality and authenticity of Tuburan Coffee,” the mayor said.

The mayor added that as their coffee continues to make waves globally, “it serves as a testament to the potential and promise of Filipino ingenuity and craftsmanship and is poised to leave an indelible mark on the global stage, one cup at a time.”

The mayor also visited the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, where he shared the progress of his town's coffee production industry and tourism sector.

Mayor Diamante, in a Facebook post of the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, emphasized how these developments have not only contributed to the economic prosperity of Tuburan but have also enriched its cultural heritage while prioritizing environmental sustainability.

Reflecting on Tuburan's journey, the mayor noted that in 2010, poverty incidence in the town stood alarmingly high at 45.9 percent.

However, through strategic initiatives and community-driven efforts, Tuburan has witnessed a significant reduction in poverty, with the figure dropping to 24.40 percent by 2018.

Diamante, likewise, expressed his hopes for further collaboration and partnerships to enhance Tuburan's agricultural sector.

He was accompanied by members of Cebuano Society of BC and Mable Elmore, a native of Tuburan, and is the first Filipino-Canadian who was elected in 2009 and is still serving as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Canada. — (FREEMAN)