LUCENA CITY --- In order to address the challenges the lambanog industry is currently facing, the Philippine Coconut Authority Region IV conducted the 2nd Regional Consultative Forum on Lambanog Industry at APA Farm, Majayjay, Laguna on October 2.

The forum, which also accommodated virtual participants, brought together key representatives from regional line agencies, local government units, private sector, academe, and farmer groups. Stakeholders of the industry were able to discuss the current industry status and exchange views on how to resolve the issues being thrown on the local liquor.

Southern Tagalog Presidential Adviser Dennis F. Hernandez along with PCA Administrator Benjamin R. Madrigal, Jr. virtually graced the event and delivered individual messages.

In his message, PCA Administrator Benjamin R. Madrigal, Jr. emphasized the Authority’s vision for lambanog – that is, for it to transform from being known as a “poor man’s drink into a world-class drink”.

Further, PCA Chief talked about the need to correct the term ‘lambanog poisoning’ and change it to what it should actually be called – methanol poisoning, it being the culprit and cause of death of some drinkers in the past.

Admin. Madrigal also underscored the importance of institutionalizing the key players wherein technical working committees shall be created who will focus on ironing issues out on the different aspects of the lambanog industry. ### (PCA IV)