The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) and Mindanao State University-Sulu (MSU-Sulu) have entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for a collaborative project titled “Enhancing the Sustainability, Profitability, and Inclusiveness of Coffee Value Chains Involving IP Communities: The Case of Kiangan, Ifugao and Patikul, Sulu.” The MOA was signed by UPOU Chancellor, Dr. Melinda dP. Bandalaria, and MSU-Sulu Chancellor, Dr. Nagder Abdurahman, with the Project Leader from UPOU, Dr. Joane V. Serrano, and the Co-Project Leader from UP Los Banos, Dr. Sherry B. Marasigan as witnesses last January 2025. The project will target the analysis, development, and implementation of inclusive coffee value chain framework in Kiangan, Ifugao and Patikul, Sulu.

This initiative aims to strengthen the coffee value chain in indigenous communities by promoting sustainable coffee production, enhancing market linkages, and fostering the socio-economic empowerment of indigenous peoples (IPs). By integrating research-driven development, knowledge sharing, and capacity-building efforts, the partnership seeks to create lasting benefits for local coffee farmers in Patikul, Sulu.

To achieve the project objectives, the project team has been actively engaging with stakeholders in the region. The team conducted initial visits to Patikul, Sulu on 22-26 October 2025 to hold courtesy calls, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions with local officials and farmers. During this visit, they also carried out value chain mapping to assess the current state of coffee production and identify areas for improvement. A follow-up visit on 21-25 January 2025 focused on data collection, yielding significant insights that will contribute to the project’s success.

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 MSU-Sulu, paving the way for the enhanced coffee value chain of Patikul, Sulu towards economic stability and inclusivity of the indigenous community.

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

Sustainable Development Goals

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