CAGAYAN STATE UNIVERSITY AND FILIPINO COFFEE INSTITUTE SIGN MOU TO BOOST PHILIPPINE COFFEE INDUSTRY

Cagayan State University and the Filipino Coffee Institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding today to establish a partnership aimed at creating the Filipino Coffee Institute-Cagayan State University and the International Coffee Research and Development Center. The agreement was formalized at CSU Central Office following initial discussions and groundwork laid by VP for Internationalization, Partnership and Resource Mobilization Dr. Ana Marie Cristina C. Cauilan and VP for Research, Development and Extension Dr. Junel B. Guzman.

The MOU, signed by CSU OIC-President Dr. Arthur G. Ibañez and FCI President Ramon Jerry A. Cabalce, aligns with CSU’s mission on Instruction, Research, Extension and Production as well as with Lallo’s niche in Coffee Production and Processing. This public-private partnership focuses on land utilization to develop a model coffee farm for practical training and sustainable farming demonstrations, enhancing the skills of students and local farmers and contributing to the growth of the Philippine coffee sector.

“This partnership will elevate coffee production standards and empower our stakeholders,” said Dr. Ibañez. Cabalce added, “Combining our expertise will foster a vibrant coffee community in the Philippines.”

The agreement generally outlines responsibilities for both parties, including physical support and research expertise from CSU and knowledge sharing from FCI. Implementation teams will oversee various aspects of the project to ensure effective execution and sustainability.

As the Philippine coffee industry gains international recognition, this collaboration is expected to improve local production techniques and enhance the competitiveness of Philippine coffee in the global market.