Indigenous families and former rebels in Barangay Igpaho are gaining new livelihood opportunities through Maguey Café, a community-based tourism project that seeks to turn Tubungan’s mountain scenery into a source of local income.

The café held its soft opening, offering local food, refreshing drinks and panoramic views while providing residents an opportunity to participate in the municipality’s growing tourism industry.

Barangay Igpaho chairperson Jovita Berbidel said the project gives Indigenous families and former rebels, known locally as Friends of Tubungan, a chance to earn additional income and contribute to community development.

“Bisan paano nakaubra ang amon diri nga mga pumuluyo. Gintaw-an priority ang mga rebel returnees kag hanggud ang pasalamat namon nga nagbalik sila sa sabak sang gobyerno,” Berbidel said.

Tubungan Public Employment Service Office Manager Emelyn Estando-Tano said Maguey Café was developed under the municipality’s Tubong Turismo Program, complementing the Turista sa Barangay initiative and efforts to support Indigenous communities and reintegrate former rebels.

“Maguey Café is a community-based project. Gindagyawan ini sang aton mga former rebels kay gasinggitan sila sang pagbag-o,” Tano said.

The Iloilo Provincial Government provided ₱800,000 worth of physical structures for the café, while the Department of Labor and Employment extended livelihood assistance through its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program.

Residents preparing for tourism-related work also underwent barista training through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, on-the-job training through the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and mock simulations facilitated by the Iloilo Coffee Council. DOLE also provided capital assistance through its livelihood program.

The café is located on land covered by a Community-Based Forest Management Agreement under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Estando-Tano said government interventions supporting peace and development in the area, including school construction and farm-to-market road projects, have helped create opportunities for new economic activities.

“Since may peace na, may ara naman development and growing naman ang tourism sang banwa sang Tubungan, ready na kita for economic development,” she said.

Provincial Administrator Raul Banias said the project demonstrates how the provincial government’s Turista sa Barangay program is being implemented at the community level.

“Ang tanan nga ginahambal ni Gov. (Arthur Defensor Jr.) nga components sang Turista sa Barangay ginahimo guid nila. This is putting flesh and substance to the Turista sa Barangay,” Banias said.

He added that the provincial government is planning additional improvements in the area, including solar power systems and trail upgrades, to further develop its tourism potential.

For visitors, Maguey Café offers a place to enjoy refreshments and take in the surrounding mountain scenery. Michael, a visitor from Leon, described the experience simply: “May manami nga view kag may kape kag ma-enjoy mo gid.”

The café is along the road leading to Sitio Maguey in Barangay Igpaho, about a 24-minute drive from Tubungan town proper and two kilometers from Baldan Viewing Deck, also known as the Tourist Rest Area.

It is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.

“Please experience the fun, foodie, friendly Maguey Café,” Tano said.IMT