The National Institute for Technical and Vocational Training (INFOTEP) and the Association of Dominican Cigar Manufacturers (PROCIGAR) certified the first 127 participants who successfully completed the programs of the Tamboril Tobacco School, an initiative created to strengthen human talent and meet the growing demand for qualified personnel in the Dominican tobacco industry.
As a result of this training program, 72 participants have already been hired by companies in the sector, while an additional group representing approximately 20% of the graduates will soon begin their integration into the workforce. This reflects the close connection between technical and vocational training and the needs of one of the country’s leading export industries.
The ceremony was led by INFOTEP Deputy Director General Luis Manuel Rodríguez, representing Director General Maira Morla Pineda, together with PROCIGAR President Ciro Cascella; the driving force behind the initiative and former PROCIGAR President Litto Gómez; PROCIGAR Executive Director Agustín Fernández; the Director of the Dominican Tobacco Institute (INTABACO), Iván Hernández; as well as government officials, business leaders, and representatives of the tobacco sector. INFOTEP Highlights the Impact of Technical Training INFOTEP’s Deputy Director General stated that this first graduating class represents a decisive step toward ensuring the availability of the specialized workforce required by the Dominican tobacco industry.
“The 78 women and 49 men receiving their certificates today have acquired skills in premium handmade cigar manufacturing, tobacco crop pest management, customer service, personal development, and conflict management—competencies that are enabling them to enter the workforce quickly.”
He also highlighted that companies such as La Aurora, La Flor Dominicana and Davidoff, as well as several other cigar manufacturers, have already hired graduates from the Tamboril Tobacco School, further strengthening the competitiveness of this strategic sector of the Dominican economy.
PROCIGAR Invests in the Next Generation
PROCIGAR President Ciro Cascella described the graduation ceremony as a landmark achievement for the future of the industry, emphasizing that it helps ensure the generational renewal of a craft that has positioned the Dominican Republic as the world’s leading producer of premium cigars.
“Every certificate we present today is much more than a piece of paper; it is living proof of men and women who have chosen to embrace a noble profession – an art that is a source of national pride and that places the Dominican Republic firmly at the pinnacle of the premium cigar world.” Cascella noted that the partnership between PROCIGAR and INFOTEP guarantees the continuity of an economic activity that generates thousands of jobs and supports countless families connected to tobacco production.
“The companies that make up PROCIGAR have their doors open to welcome the first of many participants who will continue to graduate from the Tamboril Tobacco School.” A Tradition That Enhances the Prestige of Dominican Tobacco Litto Gómez, the driving force behind the initiative, encouraged the graduates to practice their profession with commitment and pride, reminding them that every cigar they produce represents the international prestige of Dominican tobacco.
“Whenever you make a cigar, do it thinking about the man or woman, anywhere in the world, who will enjoy it. Tamboril is the birthplace of the country’s finest cigar makers, and every cigar represents the prestige of the Dominican Republic in international markets.”
A Strategic Industry for the National Economy
The Dominican tobacco industry is one of the country’s leading export sectors. The nation is home to approximately 75 cigar factories, generates more than 122,000 direct jobs, and records annual exports exceeding US$1.34 billion. Within this context, Tamboril has established itself as one of the world’s premier centers for premium cigar production, thanks to a century-old tradition and the talent of thousands of men and women who sustain an industry internationally recognized for its quality.
The Tamboril Tobacco School Expands Its Training Programs INFOTEP
North Cibao Regional Director Desoaris de Aza announced that the Tamboril Tobacco School will expand its academic offerings with the new Handmade Cigar Manufacturing Operations program, along with additional training in emotional intelligence, entrepreneurship, personal finance, and gender-based violence prevention, with the goal of continuing to enhance the qualifications of the workforce required by the industry.
She also recalled that the Tamboril Tobacco School was inaugurated in January 2026 through the partnership between INFOTEP and PROCIGAR to strengthen the link between technical and vocational education and employment.
She also acknowledged the support of the Dominican Tobacco Institute (INTABACO) and several PROCIGAR member companies, whose contributions of materials make the school’s practical training possible.
