Sulu State College and Cavite State University Forge Partnership for Coffee Program

Sulu State College (SSC) and Cavite State University (CvSU) have officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) through a virtual ceremony via Zoom, marking the beginning of a collaborative initiative aimed at empowering coffee producers in Jolo, Sulu. The signing was attended by SSC President Prof. Charisma S. Ututalum, CESE; Vice President Prof. Nelson U. Julhamid; Dr. Frissida Daud; and Ms. Malikha J. Ilupa, alongside CvSU officials, including University President Dr. Ma. Agnes P. Nuestro and NCRDEC Director Dr. Angelbert Cortes.

This partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing the coffee industry in Jolo, with CvSU’s National Coffee Research, Development, and Extension Center (NCRDEC) providing technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives to enhance productivity among coffee stakeholders. Moreover, SSC has affirmed its dedication to integrating NCRDEC as a key collaborator in implementing its coffee program in the municipality. Through this agreement, both institutions aim to foster sustainable coffee-related projects, ensuring their long-term success and mutual benefit.

SSC extends its deepest gratitude to CvSU for its unwavering support and expertise, which will significantly contribute to the growth of Jolo’s coffee industry. Looking ahead, SSC remains committed to strengthening this collaboration, paving the way for future initiatives that will further uplift local coffee producers and promote agricultural development in the region.

This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), particularly SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Furthermore, it supports SSC’s Strategic Initiative 3: Strengthening Industry-Academe-Government Collaboration and Strategic Initiative 4: Expanding Institutional Linkages and Partnerships.