Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU), under the leadership of University President Dr. Samson L. Molao, EdD, was formally recognized as a partner in the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) “Kape Mo’To” Coffee Farm Tourism Program during an event held on November 15, 2025, at the Tourism Rest Area in Tacurong City. As part of the official tour itinerary, the SKSU Cupping Lab became one of the highlighted stops in the province’s expanding coffee experience tourism circuit.
The SKSU Cupping Lab, managed through the guidance of Mr. Samuel Mors D. Hilbero, MS, Director of the SKSU Coffee Center, was showcased for its vital role as a quality control and assessment facility for specialty coffee. The lab provides value-adding feedback to producers and helps facilitate market access, reinforcing Sultan Kudarat’s reputation as a growing hub for specialty coffee in the Philippines.
SKSU received a Plaque of Appreciation from the DOT for its full support and commitment to strengthening institutional collaboration for the development of the coffee tourism circuit. The recognition affirms the university’s significant contribution to research, innovation, and industry support—efforts made possible through the administration’s leadership and the Coffee Center’s technical initiatives.
The initiative supports several Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), by enhancing local value chains and promoting sustainable coffee practices. It also contributes to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strengthened collaboration between government agencies, academic institutions, and community stakeholders to advance Sultan Kudarat’s coffee tourism landscape.
