May 29, 2026 — Locally brewed coffee filled the air with aroma and pride as the Municipality of Itogon celebrated the culmination of its month-long Farmers and Fisherfolks Month Celebration through the Si-jup Festival.
“Si-jup,” an Ibaloy term associated with sipping hot coffee, reflects not only a daily tradition among upland communities but also the growing identity of Itogon as one of Benguet’s emerging coffee-producing municipalities.
Following the parade of farmers and fisherfolks from the different barangays, participants gathered at the Municipal Gymnasium where they raised their enamel cups filled with hot coffee. Led by Councilor Norberto I. Pacio, everyone took a synchronized sip — a symbolic gesture honoring the hardworking coffee growers and celebrating the municipality’s agricultural heritage.
The Coffee Pavilion organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) was where visitors witnessed various coffee brewing demonstrations showcasing the rich aroma and unique flavors of locally grown Benguet coffee. The pavilion highlighted the increasing appreciation for coffee and the potential of coffee farming as a sustainable livelihood for upland communities.
Guest Speaker Vice Governor Marie Rose Fongwan-Kepes emphasized the importance of preserving the identity of Benguet coffee and supporting local producers. She noted that Itogon produces high-quality coffee beans that continue to gain recognition and demand from buyers and businesses across the country.
As one of the authors of the Benguet Coffee Ordinance, the Vice Governor encouraged coffee farmers and producers to continue protecting and promoting their products. She stressed that Benguet coffee must be proudly labeled and recognized as a product of Itogon, reflecting the municipality’s culture, hard work, and agricultural excellence.
Among the recognized coffee-growing communities in Itogon is the Saddle Hartwell Lumbag Coffee Growers Association (SHALCOGA) in Barangay Ampucao. The group has become known for producing quality coffee and for helping transform communities affected by the decline of mining into sustainable coffee-growing areas.
Over the years, Benguet coffee has gained national and international recognition for its quality and distinct flavor profile. Itogon coffee has also been featured in specialty coffee markets and has contributed to the growing reputation of Cordillera coffee in the Philippines.
The Si-jup Festival served not only as a celebration of coffee culture but also as a tribute to the resilience, dedication, and contribution of farmers and fisherfolks to the local economy and food security.
The month-long celebration was spearheaded by the Municipal Government of Itogon led by Mayor Bernard S. Waclin through the Municipal Agriculture Office headed by Berto O. Bayeng.
