USM, CHED Seal MOA for SIKAP Scholarship, 12 Scholars Oriented for Advanced Studies
November 24, 2025
MAKILALA, COTABATO – To maximize the impact of post-harvest processing machines donated through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-XII) CEST Program, experts from the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) conducted a Skills Enhancement Training on Value Adding in Brgy. Biangan on November 20, 2021.
The specialized training focused on Fermenting Dried Beans, Roasting Cacao Beans, Tablea Production, and the Proper Operation and Maintenance of the Cacao Grinder and Peeler.
Held in response to a request from the Bravo Company of the 39th Infantry Battalion and 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, the initiative aimed to equip community members with the technical skills and knowledge necessary to establish a sustainable cacao-based enterprise.
In his welcome remarks, Punong Barangay Anthonio Olong expressed deep gratitude for USM’s support. He highlighted the significance of the event, stating: “Isang malaking bagay na nandito ang lahat… na patuloy na nagbibigay ng mga makabuluhang trainings para mapaunlad ang ating mga magsasaka ng cacao.” (It is a great thing that everyone is here… continuously providing meaningful trainings to develop our cacao farmers.)
The skills enhancement training comprised both lecture and practical sessions, spearheaded by USM experts. Miss Sheena B. Lucena covered Cacao Harvesting, Post-Harvest Processing, Bean Grading, and Tablea Processing while Prof. Romel B. Nonol, Jr. provided instruction on the Proper Operation and Maintenance of the Cacao Grinder and Electric Peeler.
In the afternoon, Miss Joemelyn Lucena facilitated a practical workshop, guiding participants through the proper demonstration of roasting, bean breaking, winnowing, and molding.
The program concluded with participants sharing their experiences. Christine Baldezamo, a participant, described the training as a crucial step that opened doors to new techniques and contributed to improving cacao bean quality.
“Noong una akala namin magda-dry lang kami ng cacao at pwede nang ibenta. Pero dahil sa USM, nalaman namin na mas maganda pala na i-ferment natin ang mga cacao para mas mapaganda pa ang kalidad ng ating mga buto,” she shared, expressing thanks for the new knowledge that will help improve their livelihood in Biangan,” (Before, we just thought we could dry the cacao and sell it. But thanks to USM, we learned that it is better to ferment the cacao to improve the quality of the beans.)
In his message of support, 39IB Battalion Commander Hector A. Estolas assured participants of the military’s ongoing commitment to fostering economic development through livelihood skills.
“Alam nating lahat na hindi pa po ito ang huli dahil marami pa po tayong plano sa Biangan… Makakaasa kayong magiging kaisa ninyo kami sa inyong mga plano para mapabuti pa ang buhay ng ating mga cacao farmers,” Estolas affirmed. (We all know this is not the end, as we have many more plans for Biangan… You can count on us to be your partner in your plans to improve the lives of our cacao farmers.)
The initiative, made possible through the robust collaboration between USM and the Philippine Army, underscores the university’s vital role in empowering communities and fostering economic stability by providing practical knowledge and skills to local cacao farmers.
