Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
The Agricultural Cooperative Development International/Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance (ACDI/VOCA) supported the university’s coffee demo farm and coffee cupping laboratory by implementing the PhilCAFE project in CMU.
The ACDI/VOCA – PhilCAFE and CMU partnership aimed to empower coffee farmers in Bukidnon through the university’s conducted extension projects on coffee. “Coffee is a major commodity of CMU especially that there is already an existing demo area, coffee laboratory, cafe (Fulbright Garden), and coffee experts in the university,” said Dr. Estrella Y. Dacillo, Director of the Extension Office.
She further shared that upon the approval of the recently submitted program proposal of the Extension Office on coffee innovation, a coffee caravan will be conducted that will serve as a mobile coffee clinic.
“It would provide mentoring services to coffee farmers in Bukidnon. This would be supported by the extent of reach of the DXMU FM in spreading the benefits of coffee production and processing from ‘seed-to-cup’ implementing strategies,” Dr. Estrella added.
On January 29, 2021, Ms. Anna May Dumapis, PhilCAFE Regional Coordinator assigned in Cavite State University (CavSU), and Ms. Novelyn Valerio, Technical Specialist of the same project has undergone a series of field visits and technical immersions to CMU’s Coffee Demo Farm Area and Coffee Cupping Laboratory. They inspected the quality of the coffee seedlings at the techno demo area near the university extension building, as well as the facilities for the coffee plantation. Both of the ACDI/VOCA personnel praised the innovativeness and the accuracy of CMU’s coffee germinating chamber.
“Germination of a coffee seed is very complex… it needs optimum care,” said Mr. Jesus C. Mabolo, CMU Coffee Demo Farm and Backyard Nursery In-charge.
The ACDI/VOCA Regional Coordinator and Technical Specialist inspected the readiness of coffee seedlings for plantation. They also commended the efforts of Mr. Mabolo and the extension team for producing healthy and well-groomed coffee seedlings. They also praised the cooling system for the seedlings as another innovative step to establishing an outstanding coffee production in the future.
After the Coffee Demo Farm visit, Prof. Andrew B. Melencion, an International Licensed Q-grader, provided the ACDI/VOCA personnel with a short orientation about CMU’s Coffee Cupping Lab and its services.
The Coffee Quality Laboratory is first in Region 10, one of three government coffee laboratory in Mindanao sponsored by ACDI/VOCA, and handled by one of the 33 total world-Q Grader of Coffee Quality Institute (USA), which is soon to be a tourist destination in CMU,” said Prof. Melencion. (LCESimbajon)
