USM, PCIA Inc. convene for Cacao Initiative

The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) and the Philippine Cacao Industry Association (PCIC/PCIA, Inc.) gathered through a blended form of meeting on February 05, 2024.

Held at the USM Skyroom, Kabacan, Cotabato and via zoom, the meeting was conducted to review and to discuss the operationalization of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between USM and PCIA Inc. which was drafted during the National Cacao Congress in 2023.

Meanwhile, in the afternoon, the group also discussed details regarding a multi-agency program proposed by Dr. Edward A. Barlaan, the program head of the Niche Centers in the Regions (NICER) for R&D in USM. The said program brings together government and private agencies to provide comprehensive systems for improved and sustainable productivity, quality, marketability, and profitability of cacao, and is expected to benefit cacao stakeholders across the country.

Spearheaded by Dr. Barlaan and Dr. Debbie Marie B. Verzosa, the Vice President for Research, Development and Extension of USM, the assembly brought together the PCIC-PCIA focal persons namely, Buen Mondejar, Dante R. Muyco Jr., Christopher Padriaga, Mary Grace Cepillo as well as the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) staff, Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech), Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) High Value staff, Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Region XII, SOCCSKSARGEN Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research an Development Consortium (SOXAARRDEC), and officers from USM.