The Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) formalized its partnership with the Filipino Coffee Management, Inc. (FCI) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on August 28, 2025, at the SKSU campus in Tacurong City.
The MOU was signed by Dr. Samson L. Molao, SKSU University President, and Mr. Ramon Jerry A. Cabalce, FCI President, establishing a strategic collaboration aimed at strengthening coffee education, research, innovation, and industry development in the Philippines.
Under the agreement, both institutions committed to cooperate in developing policies, programs, and training initiatives to uplift the Philippine coffee industry. SKSU will provide facilities and manpower support, while FCI will share its expertise in coffee innovation, farm management, processing, and industry standards. The collaboration also covers the enhancement of coffee facilities, conduct of workshops and training for farmers and stakeholders, and the creation of implementation teams to oversee facility development, research, operations, and management.
This MOU will serve as a foundational framework for future agreements and joint initiatives and will remain in effect until December 31, 2030.The ceremonial signing was witnessed by Dr. Badu M. Panimbang, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovation; Ms. Emeline S. Sabado, Executive Director of the Filipino Coffee Institute; Dr. Gemma Constantino, Director for Research; and Mr. Samuel Mors D. Hilbero, Director for the SKSU Coffee Cupping Laboratory and Barista Training Center.
This partnership is closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by strengthening academic and research initiatives, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by supporting the livelihoods of local farmers, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through the development of coffee innovation facilities, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) as it embodies collaboration between higher education and industry.
