DOST-PCAARRD, CSU INK MOA FOR S&T-BASED MANGO PRODUCTION AND PROCESSING PROJECT IN CAGAYAN

The Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) and Cagayan State University (CSU) formalized a partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the implementation of the project “S&T Community-Based Farm on Mango Production and Processing for Enterprise Development in Cagayan Province.”

The two-year project, to be carried out from October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2027, aims to improve the income and enterprise sustainability of the Illuru Sur Malaueg Mango Growers and Workers Association (ISMMGWA) in Rizal, Cagayan through S&T-based interventions in mango production, postharvest handling, value-adding, and market linkage development.

The project targets to enhance the capacities of ISMMGWA members, rehabilitate mango orchards using S&T-based approaches, develop a commercial-scale mango fruit bar, a CSU funded research product, and establish market linkages with at least two institutional buyers or processors.

The initiative is also expected to provide a sustainable mango supply in the province, strengthen technical competencies among growers, and improve the economic condition of the mango growers’ association while contributing to national efforts toward mango self-sufficiency.

The agreement was signed by DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora and CSU Officer-in-Charge, Office of the University President, Dr. Arthur G. Ibañez, following the project’s approval by the PCAARRD Directors’ Council on September 16, 2025. CSU–Piat will serve as the implementing unit, with Mr. Macluven Gonzales as project leader, while DOST-PCAARRD will provide ₱5 million in funding support.