USM-ESO, MENRO Columbio Empower Cacao and Coffee Farmers through Bionihan Para sa Kalikasan Phase II

Kabacan, Cotabato—The University of Southern Mindanao (USM), through its Extension Services Office (ESO), and the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, successfully conducted the training on Sustainable Cacao and Coffee Production for Agroforestry and Climate Resilience as part of the project Bionihan Para sa Kalikasan: Sustainable Initiatives for Biodiversity Conservation Phase II. Headed by project leader Cherie C. Mangaoang, the activity gathered 27 cacao and coffee farmers from Columbio on November 6–7, 2025, at the USM Agricultural Research and Development Center (USMARDC).

The training program aimed to reinforce efforts toward preserving environmental and natural resources while championing sustainable production practices for the region’s burgeoning coffee and cacao industries.

To officially commence the two-day seminar-workshop, Dr. Glyn B. Gabano-Magbanua, Director for the Extension Services Office, delivered her welcome remarks, strategically highlighting the activity’s dual role: equipping farmers with the necessary knowledge on optimal farming and post-harvest practices while simultaneously ensuring the sustainable stewardship of natural resources.

“Magandang umaga po sa ating lahat. Sa training na ito, katulad ng nabanggit kanina, ngayon at bukas, tayo ay tuturuan ng ating mga eksperto sa tama at pinakamahusay na pamamaraan ng pagtatanim, pag-aalaga, at pagpoproseso ng kape at ng cacao hanggang sa tayo ay makagawa ng kape na ready to brew na, ng tablea, at siyempre, ng chocolate. Ang ating layunin ay hindi lamang magbigay ng kaalaman, kundi magbigay ng kakayahan para sa ating mga coffee at cacao growers, para pwede nilang pagkakitaan ang ating matututunan, habang pinapangalagaan natin ang ating likas na yaman,” she expressed.

The first day of the event featured USM experts who shared their expertise during the lecture session: Dr. Joseph O. Castillo (Farming System of Cacao and Harvesting and Postharvest of Coffee), Dr. Joan P. Sadoral (Pest Management), and Ms. Sheena B. Lucena (Cacao Post-harvest Processing). After the discussions, Dr. Sadoral introduced the Cacao Instructional Videos, an accessible video material available online, produced by USM and Philippine Cacao Industry Association (PCIA).

Following the comprehensive series of lectures, the participants proceeded to the polyclonal farm for an essential on-site inspection of the cacao and coffee plantations.

The second day began with an intensive hands-on training on the manual processes of tablea production and coffee packaging, spearheaded by Miss Sheena Lucena. During the activity, the participants learned different fermentation techniques, ensuring that cacao beans being produced are in excellent quality. It was then followed by a hands-on training session on chocolate making. Participants honed their technical skills by practicing the precise skill required for tempering, molding, demolding, and packaging, utilizing the specialized equipment available at the Post-Harvest Cacao Processing Center.

The event concluded at the USMARDC Audio-Visual Room, marked by the distribution of certificates to all participants and resource speakers. A key feature of the closing was the farmers’ heartfelt sharing of their experiences, where they specifically applauded USM’s warm hospitality and acknowledged the program’s success in delivering valuable services that directly contribute to enhancing the livelihood of Columbio’s coffee and cacao growers.

For participant Melquizedek Quijance, the activity was a pivotal step toward realizing greater milestones for the entire cacao and coffee industry. He shared his heartfelt appreciation, stating: “Unang-una sa lahat nagpapasalamat kami sa USM sa mainit na pagtangtanggap ninyo sa amin. Hindi matatawaran ang inyong mga serbisyo sa pagbibigay ninyo sa amin ng kaalaman at sa paghasa ng aming mga kakayahan kaya’t naniniwala kami na ang training na ito ay magiging isang makabuluhang hakbang para sa pagpapaunlad ng industriya ng cacao at kape lalong-lalo na sa Sultan Kudarat.”

The closing program was sealed with an inspiring message of support from Lauro V. Domondon Jr., MPA, MENRO of Columbio.

“Sa ngalan ng MENRO ng Bayan ng Columbio, taos-puso po kaming nagpapasalamat sa ating mga napakahusay at sa napakagandang training na ito. Sabi ko nga, ito ‘yung kasagutan. Maraming nalilito, agriculture ba talaga ang MENRO? Pero ang sabi ko, ito ‘yung kasagutan na kailangan ng ating pamayanan, na habang may kalikasan tayong pino-protektahan ay nagbibigay din tayo ng kabuhayan lalong-lalo na sa ating mga magsasaka. Kaya’t asahan ninyong patuloy ang aming pakiisa para sa mga inisyatibong pangkalikasan,” he stated.

The Bionihan Para sa Kalikasan Phase II underscores the critical importance of integrating environmental stewardship with economic development for the farming communities of Columbio, Sultan Kudarat. This extension project successfully bridges the gap between academic expertise and practical, on-farm application, delivering sustainable solutions for high-quality cacao and coffee production.