Iloilo city: Coffee stakeholders will share the spotlight for the 89th month-long Charter Day celebration of this highly urbanized city this August, through the 'Kape Ta! Sa Merkado' Festival set for Aug. 22-28 this year.

According to Philippines News Agency, Local Economic Enterprise Office (LEEO) head Maricel Mabaquiao stated that coffee is a significant part of the Ilonggo lifestyle, with coffee shops being popular destinations in public markets. She noted that these establishments boost foot traffic by offering diverse varieties of coffee.

LEEO marketing officer Benjamin Ni±o IV emphasized that the festival seeks to preserve and create new stories around the coffee culture of the Ilonggos. To this end, the festival has invited 10 coffee shops from various public markets as well as those located outside these markets. Coffee shops and merchants have confirmed their participation in the seven-day event at the ground floor of the Iloilo Central Market, where they will also feature merchants offering perfect coffee pairings.

Mayor Raisa Tre±as, in a statement, highlighted that the festival will showcase homegrown coffee businesses, providing an opportunity for local entrepreneurs to connect with consumers and promote Iloilo's emerging coffee industry. The city government also aims to spotlight the farmers, roasters, caf© owners, and other local stakeholders who contribute to the growth of the industry. The mayor expressed that the festival is designed to celebrate and showcase Iloilo's local coffee scene.