By Nimfa Estrellado Senator Imee Marcos and Governor Angelina "Doktora Helen" Tan, along with other local officials in Quezon, att...
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| Senator Imee Marcos and Governor Angelina "Doktora Helen" Tan, along with other local officials in Quezon, attended the inaugural Lambanog Summit at the Quezon Convention Center. (Photo from Quezon PIO) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - Amidst the vibrant festivities of the Niyogyugan Festival 2024, Quezon Province hosted its first-ever Lambanog Summit on August 14th, 2024 at the Quezon Convention Center. Themed "Quezon Lambanog: Opportunities, Challenges, and Impact on Tourism," the summit aimed to address industry concerns and chart a path for sustainable growth for this traditional coconut liquor, deeply ingrained in the province's culture and heritage.
Lambanog, often referred to as "coconut vodka," is derived from the sap of coconut flowers, meticulously collected and fermented to create a potent and flavorful spirit. The coconut palms of Quezon, nourished by the region's fertile soil and tropical climate, yield sap with unique characteristics, contributing to the distinct taste and quality of the province's lambanog.
Senator Imee Marcos attended the summit, pledging her support for the coconut farmers, who play a key role in the lambanog industry. She assured the province of the Senate's support in further developing the coconut industry, which is vital for the livelihood of these farmers and the ongoing success of lambanog production.
"I look forward to working closely with the local government and industry stakeholders to ensure that the coconut farmers of Quezon continue to thrive and contribute to the growth of the lambanog industry," Senator Marcos stated during her speech at the summit.
She emphasized the importance of sustainable practices and innovation in order to maintain the high quality and reputation of Quezon's lambanog. " We must also prioritize the welfare of the farmers and ensure fair compensation for their hard work," she added.
Governor Dr. Helen Tan highlighted the provincial government's commitment to creating sustainable job opportunities for coconut farmers. In her own words, "We are dedicated to ensuring that our coconut farmers have a secure and prosperous future. Their success is intertwined with the success of the lambanog industry.".
She also announced that all lambanog products from Quezon Province are now FDA-approved and stamped, ensuring consumer safety and boosting market confidence. Governor Tan proudly stated, "This is a major step forward for our lambanog industry. We can now guarantee the quality and safety of our products, which will open up new markets and opportunities."
The summit brought together lambanog stakeholders, including farmers, distillers, sellers, and resellers from across the province. It celebrated Quezon lambanog's recent international recognition, ranking second in TasteAtlas's "Top 79 Spirits in the World." This achievement opens doors for export and tourism, showcasing the global potential of this unique Filipino spirit.
Festive contests and the swearing-in of the Quezon Lambanog Industry Development Council (QLIDC) further enlivened the event. The presentation of the Quezon Coconut Industry Road Map (2024-2026) outlined the province's strategic vision for the sector.
This landmark summit heralds a bright future for Quezon's lambanog industry. It is poised for growth, contributing more to the province's economy and tourism, while upholding its cultural importance and celebrating the coconut's vital role in its production.
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