UPOU and IFSU sign MOA for a new project titled “Enhancing the Sustainability, Profitability, and Inclusiveness of Coffee Value Chains Involving IP Communities: The Case of Kiangan, Ifugao and Patikul, Sulu”

The University of the Philippines Open University-Faculty of Management and Development Studies (UPOU-FMDS) signed the Memorandum of Agreement with the Ifugao State University (IFSU) for a new project titled “Enhancing Sustainability, Profitability, and Inclusiveness of Coffee Value Chains Involving IP Communities: The Case of Kiangan, Ifugao and Patikul, Sulu.” It was signed by the UPOU Chancellor, Dr. Melinda dP. Bandalaria, and IFSU President, Dr. Eva Marie Codamon-Dugyon with the Project Leader from UPOU, Dr. Joane V. Serrano, and Co-Project Leader from UPLB, Dr. Sherry B. Marasigan as witnesses. The project will target the analysis, development, and implementation of inclusive coffee value chain framework in Kiangan, Ifugao and Patikul, Sulu.

This partnership will focus on (1) securing Free, Prior Informed Consent for Ifugao People from National Commission on Indigenous People, (2) mapping out the existing coffee value chains,   (3) the identification of gender role on coffee value chain of the indigenous community, and (4) developing framework that will enhance the sustainability, profitability, and inclusiveness of coffee value chain in Kiangan, Ifugao and Patikul, Sulu. This is a project between UPOU and UP Los Banos, in collaboration with IFSU and Mindanao State University – Sulu (MSU-Sulu), funded by  Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD). 

The signing of the MOA aligns with achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals and marks an exciting collaboration between UPOU and IFSU, paving the way for the enhanced coffee value chain of Kiangan, Ifugao towards economic stability and inclusivity of the indigenous community. 

Last 11 October 2024, the UPOU Project Team including Project Leader, Dr. Joane V. Serrano, Co-Project Leader, Dr. Sherry B. Marasigan, Project Staff, Ms. Mary Grace Campollo, and Project Resource Person, Ms. Janele Ann C. Belegal, together with the Project Collaborator from IFSU, Dr. Marissa Bulong had an inception meeting via Zoom where the project deliverables were discussed. Moreover, exchanging expectations, and roles and responsibilities were part of the agenda to deliver a clear understanding of the respective institutions’ project duties.

Written by: Mary Grace Campollo• Edited by: Larry N. Cruz