‘𝐊𝐀𝐏𝐀𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐔𝐀𝐍 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐍𝐆 𝐊𝐀𝐏𝐄𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐔𝐀𝐍’, the media conference conceptualized by the Angeles City Local Government Unit in collaboration with Pampanga Press Club (PPC) debuted May 26 at Kapebaluan, the city-run cafe.

During the pilot episode, the guests, Angeles City Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (ACEDIPO) chief Irish Bonus-Llego,  and City Engineer Don Dizon presented the programs of Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. on local infrastructure development livelihood assistance, and promotion of Gawang Angeleño Pa were highlighted. 

Dizon explained that the City currently has six ongoing projects for local infrastructure development.  Among these are: the proposed three-storey parking building in the City Hall compound; rehabilitation and repair of Bahay Pag-Asa; additional construction of building in Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center, formerly known as Ospital Ning Angeles; various improvements at the Angeles City Public Cemetery including its crematorium and existing cremation machine; additional classroom building in Cutcut Elementary School; and the development of Angeles City Library. 

“Ang target po ni Mayor Lazatin ay maisaayos ang mga imprastraktura hingi lang po sa daan pati narin sa mga schools natin, sa hospital, reformation centers, at sa mga offices sa City Hall, kahit off-site offices pa,” the City Engineer said. 

Meanwhile, Bonus-Llego reiterated that the first aim of Mayor Lazatin in establishing Kapebaluan is to assist local coffee farmers. 

“Mayor Lazatin first wanted to assist the coffee farmers’ livelihood until he, together with Calaguas, Manuel, and City Engr. Dizon came up with the idea of establishing a coffee shop. And now, we have the Kapebaluan, serving Angeleño coffee blend,” Bonus-Llego said. 

Kapebaluan is treating its avid customers with loyalty cards, which, upon completion of the stamps, earns the card holder a free cup of coffee. 

“Sobrang masaya po si Mayor Lazatin dahil napakainit ng pagtanggap ng mga Angeleño sa Kapebaluan,” Bonus-Llego added.

Those who wish to experience Angeleño coffee may visit Kapebaluan, which is located at the ground floor of the City Library in Barangay Sto. Rosario. Coffee beans are also available at the  Angeles City One Town One Product (OTOP) store or via Shopee.

Dizon is part of the team that conceptualized the Kapebaluan. He recalled how excited he was then working with the project with Chief Adviser IC Calaguas and Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel, Bonus-Llego, and his City Engineer’s Office staff. 

“Kapebaluan is one project I can never forget working on,” City Engr. Dizon said. 

Bonus-Llego also reminisced on the humble beginnings of the city’s OTOP store, where Mayor Lazatin ordered its revitalization through and promoted Gawang Angeleño Pa! 

According to Bonus-Llego, the administrative fee of OTOP was waived by Mayor Lazatin and the whole earnings of the local merchants were solely being given to them. 

To date, there are 18 merchants at the store.

Bonus-Llego said the continuous promotion of Gawang Angeleño Pa aims to target a larger market to support the livelihood of small businesses in the city.