ANTIPOLO, RIZAL—The Figaro Culinary Group Foundation successfully mounted its flagship fundraising event, the Figaro Barako Cup Golf Tournament 2026, held on March 17, 2026 at the prestigious Valley Golf & Country Club (North Course) in Antipolo, Rizal.

Building on the momentum of last year’s Sama-Sama Fun Run 2025, this year’s initiative took to the fairways—bringing together business leaders, golf enthusiasts, and community advocates in a meaningful gathering that blends sport with social impact. The event was organized in support of Batangas coffee farmers, with a mission to strengthen and sustain the country’s Barako (Liberica) coffee industry.

Through its ongoing programs, the Figaro Culinary Group Foundation continues to champion Filipino farmers by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities, training, and improved market access. These initiatives aim to preserve Barako coffee—a uniquely Filipino variety that represents both agricultural heritage and national pride.

Complementing the tournament, the Foundation also continues its annual coffee tree planting program in Batangas, ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of local coffee production.

“Each year, we create meaningful activities that combine camaraderie and purpose,” said Mary Joy A. Herrera, Figaro Foundation Admin Officer. “From fun runs to golf tournaments, every event is designed to unite communities while helping our coffee farmers thrive.”

Proceeds from the tournament will directly fund programs that support partner farming communities—from farm inputs to capacity-building initiatives—helping cultivate a more resilient and sustainable coffee ecosystem.

Event highlights and winners

The tournament showcased exceptional talent and sportsmanship across multiple divisions:

• Overall Champion:
  Derek Ramsey — Gross Score: 68 | Net Score: 65
• Class A Division:
  Champion: Ferdinand Cayanong
  1st Runner-up: Bam Mejia
  2nd Runner-up: Sherwin Villareal
• Class B Division:
  Champion: Francis Harold Calumba
  1st Runner-up: Kurt Reyes
  2nd Runner-up: Francis Figura
• Class C Division:
  Champion: Jeffrey Sonora
  1st Runner-up: Ryan Marcelo
  2nd Runner-up: James Bernardo
• Ladies Division:
  Champion: Louie Santos
  2nd Runner-up: Cindy Burdette
  3rd Runner-up: Pam Gogna

Driving impact beyond the game

More than just a sporting event, the Figaro Barako Cup Golf Tournament stands as a testament to Figaro Culinary Group’s commitment to community development, sustainability, and Filipino heritage.

By connecting passion with purpose, the Foundation continues to empower local farmers—ensuring that every cup of Barako coffee tells a story of resilience, pride, and progress.

The post Figaro Culinary Group swings for sustainability at the Figaro Barako Cup Golf Tournament 2026 appeared first on Lakbay Magazine.

The Figaro Foundation marked the second year of its annual Coffee Tree Planting: From Crop to Cup 2025 by donating and planting 1,000 coffee seedlings in Purok 6, Sitio Bagbag, Brgy. San Isidro, Lipa City, Batangas. The initiative, joined by over 200 dedicated volunteers, highlights the foundation’s mission to preserve and revitalize Batangas’ long-standing coffee culture while empowering local farming communities.

As part of its long-term commitment, the Figaro Foundation has pledged to conduct biannual maintenance and cleaning of the planting sites for the next two years to ensure that the seedlings thrive and contribute to sustainable coffee production. This effort underscores the foundation’s dedication to not only planting trees but also creating lasting impact on the environment and the local economy.

“This tree planting program is more than just a one-day initiative—it is about cultivating the roots of Batangas’ coffee heritage for generations to come,” said Mary Joy Herrera, Administrator of the Figaro Foundation. “By engaging our volunteers, partners, and communities, we are building towards a future where local coffee farming continues to flourish.”

The milestone event was strengthened by a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by key partners: Mary Joy Herrera (Figaro Foundation Administrator), John Christopher Laderas (Figaro Coffee Group Brand Manager), Ric Pesa (lot owner), and Hon. Tasiano Mea (Barangay Captain). This agreement formalizes support and partnership in sustaining the initiative’s environmental and community-driven goals.

Through projects like this, Figaro Foundation continues to demonstrate its commitment to both environmental stewardship and socio-economic upliftment by supporting local coffee growers. The program ensures that Batangas, historically known as a cradle of Philippine coffee, retains and enhances its reputation as a center of coffee excellence.

The post Figaro Foundation strengthens commitment to reviving Batangas’ coffee heritage with annual coffee tree planting drive appeared first on Lakbay Magazine.