CSU WELCOMES PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES WITH FILIPINO COFFEE INSTITUTE TO ADVANCE RESEARCH AND RESOURCE MOBILIZATION

Cagayan State University is exploring potential partnership opportunities with the Filipino Coffee Institute following an exploratory meeting with FCI President and CEO Ramon Jerry A. Cabalce. The meeting, held on April 29, 2025, focused on resource mobilization and support for research and development initiatives in the coffee sector.

Vice President for Internationalization, Partnership and Resource Mobilization Ana Marie Cristina Cauilan emphasized the university’s vast land area at CSU Lal-lo as a significant asset for the partnership, noting that the extensive land available for agricultural research at CSU Lallo provides an excellent opportunity to enhance coffee production and quality.

Lal-lo Campus Executive Officer Policarpio Mabborang expressed that collaborating with FCI will enable effective resource mobilization and strengthen the Lal-lo Campus’ research capabilities.

Earlier, a coffee evaluation and cupping session was conducted by FCI’s international Q Graders, who assessed the quality of various coffee blends developed by CSU Lal-lo. This event showcased the potential of CSU’s coffee products and recognized the importance of quality assessment in the coffee industry.

Further, CSU Gonzaga Campus has been identified as a potential site for various coffee propagation initiatives through its advance facilities. CEO Froilan Pacris noted that the Gonzaga Campus is well-positioned to support these scientific endeavors and contribute to the advancement of coffee research.

Vice President for Research Development and Extension Junel Guzman remarked that this partnership marks a significant step towards internationalizing coffee research, emphasizing the need for collaboration to tackle global challenges in the coffee industry.

The partnership with FCI is viewed as a strategic move to address challenges in the coffee sector, including sustainability, climate change and market access. Both CSU and FCI are committed to developing programs that will benefit local coffee farming communities while promoting research and development excellence in Northern Luzon.