USM IPTTBDO Capacitates USM Personnel on Patent Searching, Drafting
October 24, 2025
The University of Southern Mindanao (USM), in partnership with the Philippine Cacao Industry Association Inc. (PCIA), launched a series of Cacao Instructional Videos during the National Cacao Congress 2025 held on October 16–17, 2025, at the Waterfront Hotel, Lahug, Cebu City.
The instructional videos featured practical guides on Grafting of Cacao Seedling and Trees, Basic Soil, Water, and Nutrient Management for Cacao, Pruning of Cacao Trees, Pests and Diseases of Cacao, Fermentation of Cacao Beans, Intermittent Drying of Cacao Beans, and Bean Grading of Cacao Beans.
This initiative formed part of the ongoing efforts of the NICER Cacao R&D Center at USM to translate research outputs into accessible and science-based materials for farmers, processors, and cacao enthusiasts. Through these instructional resources, USM and its partners aim to strengthen the cacao industry by promoting knowledge-sharing, capacity building, and sustainable farming systems.
Representing USM during the launch were Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel, University President Dr. Edward Barlaan, Professor Emeritus of USM, who also serves as Program Leader of the NICER Cacao R&D Center, Dr. Tamie Solpot, Director of the Philippine Industrial Crops Research Institute (PICRI) at USM, and Prof. Harem Roca, In-charge of the USM High Value Crops Food Processing Center.
Dr. Barlaan also delivered a presentation on Coconut-Cacao-Cash Crop Farming Systems and Cacao Postharvest Systems, emphasizing sustainable practices and innovations that improve productivity and product quality among smallholder farmers.
The newly launched Cacao Instructional Videos are available for public viewing on USM RTV, the official YouTube channel USM.
The National Cacao Congress 2025 carried the theme “The Science of Intercropping Coconut with Cacao… Plus Cash Crops.” The event served as a national platform combining a conference, training, and forum that explored scientific approaches to intercropping for higher productivity and better land use.
It was jointly organized by the PCIA, Philippine Cacao Industry Council (PCIC), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA).
