VSDRED Center, Ba-ang, BaukoโAn inception meeting between Mountain Province State University (MPSU) and the Department of AgricultureโBureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) marked the kick-off implementation of the project titled โUpgrading of the Montaรฑosa Coffee Center at Mountain Province State Polytechnic Collegeโ today, July 17, 2025.
The event gathered concerned university officials and personnel, project proponents, and DA-BAR representatives in a unified effort to elevate Mountain Provinceโs coffee industry through research-based development and strategic infrastructure support. This activity formally marks the operational launch of the project with funding of PHP 5,000,000 from DA-BAR and PHP 500,000 from the MPSU counterpart.
MPSU President Dr. Edgar G. Cue opened the event with warm welcome remarks, expressing deep appreciation to DA-BAR for their financial and technical assistance. โYou have been instrumental not only in this project pushing through but also in the advancement of agricultural research and development across the Cordilleran region,โ Dr. Cue said. โThis is where ideas converge, strategies align, and dreams begin to take shape.โ
An overview of the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) program, as well as communication and coordination protocols, was presented by Mr. Mart Limuel Moises and Mr. John Arvin Dela Cruz from DA-BARโs Program Development Division and Mr. Kristan Deo Rodriguez from the Program Monitoring, Evaluation, and Linkaging Division. Their inputs provided clarity on institutional roles and mechanisms for seamless project coordination.
The projectโs overview, including its scope, objectives, and deliverables, was delivered by Project Leader Dr. Luzlyn M. Agwilang, who emphasized the centerโs role in revitalizing the local coffee. The plan includes enhancing production, improving quality standards, and boosting the competitiveness of Montaรฑosa coffee in local and global markets.
To ensure readiness for implementation, University Engineer Cleto Dalmacio presented the Mobilization and Site Readiness Plan, outlining the timeline of construction and facility improvements that would be undertaken at the Montaรฑosa Coffee Center (MCC).
In his closing remarks, Vice President for Administration and Finance Mr. Reynaldo P. Gayo Jr. expressed his gratitude to DA-BAR and pledged the commitment of MPSU to the success of the project implementation.
The meeting concluded with a site visit to the Montaรฑosa Coffee Center, led by MPSU project members and representatives from DA-BAR. The visit served as an opportunity to assess the current status of facilities and further align plans for the upcoming implementation phase.
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