INTABACO reopens Tobacco School named after former president Hipólito Mejía

Santiago, D.R.- The Tobacco Institute of the Dominican Republic (INTABACO) officially reopened its Tobacco School, now named in honor of former President Hipólito Mejía, recognizing his historic contributions to the country’s agricultural development and leadership of the institution in 1965. The ceremony was attended by Mejía, his family, government officials, mayors, and prominent figures from the national tobacco industry.

During the event, Hipólito Mejía underscored the vital role of education in national progress and highlighted the growth of the Dominican tobacco industry, which generates over US$1.34 billion in annual exports and creates thousands of jobs. His daughter, Carolina Mejía, mayor of the National District, expressed gratitude for the tribute and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the sector, noting that Dominican cigars are officially recognized as part of the nation’s cultural heritage.

INTABACO Director Iván Hernández Guzmán explained that the renovated school aims to train young people with limited resources in artisanal cigar making and tobacco production. The new facility accommodates over 50 students and is fully equipped for hands-on training in handmade tobacco production. Over the past four years, more than 600 students have graduated from the program—95% of whom are now employed in the sector. The institute also collaborates with INFOTEP for dual certification and with the Social Policy Office to train youth in the Opportunity 14–24 Program, reinforcing the state’s mission to promote employment and social development.