UPOU-FMDS Continuously Advocates Sustainable and Regenerative Initiatives with Kubo Cafe Launch

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) successfully launched the Kubo Cafe at the FMDS Perma G.A.R.D.E.N. (Growing Appreciation towards Resilience, Development, Entrepreneurship, and Nutrition) on 06 November 2024, following the previously launched UPOU Lifestyle Garden introducing plants known for added values.

This initiative primarily aims to strengthen the linkage between the Lifestyle Garden, with accessible plants for individuals and partner communities who may prefer alternative resources for managing health conditions, and the Bahay Kubo (nipa hut) which also houses the perma library, situated at Zone 2 of the FMDS Perma G.A.R.D.E.N.

In its commitment to fostering a sustainable campus, Kubo Cafe is part of driving ways to generate income through value-adding locally grown plants from the FMDS Perma G.A.R.D.E.N. with a simple menu consisting of cold-water herbal infusions, juice, and hot teas directly from the garden, as well as promoting local produce such as Sulu Coffee and hopia from Zamboanga, Philippines, fostering a sense of community pride and local consumption. The event was officially opened by Professor Joane V. Serrano, FMDS Dean, followed by Dr. Jabez Joshua Flores, FMDS Senior Lecturer and Permaculture Expert, who provided a talk of the Kubo Cafe’s concept. It was participated in by UPOU faculty members, staff, as well as students within and outside the University.

Photos taken by Mr. Mari Joshua Fontarum

This event is also in response to the common concern of visitors, such as students and researchers, who often seek refreshments following the conduct of their tour, especially due to the warm weather. Previously, most of the visitors had to go to a nearby grocery store to purchase snacks and drinks. With this preliminary effort, community members will be self-reliant in establishing their own permaculture gardens, creating a vibrant network of individuals involved in permaculture, creating a space for socializing, learning, and relaxing in support of the International University Social Responsibility (IUSR) initiative.