Compañía General de Tabacos de Filipinas: A Legacy Beyond Tobacco Early Years and Foundation Establishment: The Compañía General de Tabacos de Filipinas, S.A., also known as La Tabacalera, was founded in Barcelona, Spain, in 1881 by the 1st Marquess of Comillas. Initial Purpose: Initially established with the aim of cultivating, trading, manufacturing, and commercializing tobacco from the Philippines. This venture quickly became one of the most important enterprises in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Expansion and Diversification Beyond Tobacco: Over time, La Tabacalera exp…