January 13, 2026 — Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) received 2.5 million pesos worth of scholarship grants from NESCAFE Philippines, strengthening the University’s efforts to support students and advance agricultural education and research. The scholarship fund was formally turned over by Mr. Donnel Jun Tiedra, Government & Industry Affairs Executive of NESCAFE Philippines, to SKSU President Dr. Samson L. Molao during a ceremonial handover. The grant is intended to benefit 100 undergraduate students enrolled in Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness programs which will receive 25,000 pesos each, providing financial assistance and expanding access to quality higher education.
In addition to the undergraduate scholarships, NESCAFE Philippines also awarded thesis and dissertation allowances to SKSU Graduate School students. Notably, SKSU is the only University in the Philippines to receive thesis and dissertation support from NESCAFE, highlighting the University’s strong partnership with the company and its recognized contribution to coffee research and development. The remaining two (2) of the nine (9) recipients of the thesis and dissertation allowances are, Renalita V. Diestro, who received ₱50,000 for her PhD dissertation titled “Elevation and Roast Profile: Effects on Coffee Cupping Characteristics of Robusta Coffee (Coffea canephora) Beans Grown in Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao” and John Bernard L. Gallego, who received ₱25,000 for his master’s thesis titled “Physical and Cup Quality Attributes of Robusta Coffee (Coffea canephora) as Influenced by Elevation in Sultan Kudarat”.
Dr. Molao expressed his sincere appreciation to NESCAFE Philippines for its continued support, emphasizing that the scholarships and research grants will greatly benefit SKSU students and contribute to the advancement of agricultural research, particularly in the coffee sector.
This initiative reflects SKSU’s strong commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), as it advances agricultural education and coffee research that contribute to sustainable food production and food security, ensures inclusive and equitable access to higher education through scholarships and research support and fosters meaningful collaboration between SKSU and NESCAFE Philippines.
