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In an effort to promote peacebuilding initiatives by boosting the cacao industry in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Aquatic Resources (MAFAR), along with Hiroshima University and Yokohama National University, visited the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) on September 26, 2025, to discuss future partnerships and gain insights into innovative technologies developed by USM experts in the cacao industry.
In attendance were Prof. Osamu Yoshida, Prof. Mari Katayanagi, and Prof. Koki Seki from Hiroshima University; Prof. Hiroaki Shiga from Yokohama National University; and Ms. Rowaida Zakaria-Kado, from MAFAR.
The visitors were initially received at the Office of the President by the University Research, Development, and Extension Committee (URDEC) Directors, in the presence of Dr. Glyn B. Gabano-Magbanua (Director for Extension Services), and Prof. Bryan Lloyd P. Bretaña (Director for International Affairs), alongside Dr. Leorence C. Tandog (Vice President for Academic Affairs) and Ms. Quenielyn L. Durendes (Vice President for Administration and Finance). The group then proceeded to the University of Southern Mindanao Agricultural Research and Development Center (USMARDC), where Prof. Gwen Iris Empleo delivered a presentation on the Niche Center in the Regions (NICER) Cacao Program.
Guided by Prof. Harem Roca and Dr. Lydia Pascual, the visitors toured the USMARDC, exploring facilities such as the cacao processing center and the genebank laboratory. They were introduced to USM’s innovative technologies aimed at improving the quality of cacao beans. To complete the experience, the guests sampled one of USM’s most notable cacao-based products—the tablea.
Looking forward, the potential collaboration envisions to train cacao farmers from BARMM by utilizing experts from the university, with the goal of advancing their knowledge and skills in cacao farming, processing, and post-harvest product development. This underscores the importance of multi-sectoral approach to fostering peacebuilding by empowering local communities through sustainable and innovative cacao production technologies.
