Mountain Province State University (MPSU) formally sealed its partnership with the Sociรฉtรฉ de coopรฉration pour le dรฉveloppement international (SOCODEVI), the Provincial Local Government Unit of Mountain Province, and the Sagada Arabica Coffee Growers and Producers Organization (SACGPO) in a contract signing ceremony for the โAgsama Kapeโ Project held on October 17, 2025, at the University Administration Conference Hall.
The event marked a milestone in the provinceโs ongoing efforts to strengthen local coffee value chains and promote sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient agricultural practices. The partnership is supported by Global Affairs Canada through SOCODEVI, a Canadian non-governmental organization with over four decades of experience in promoting cooperative-based economic development across the world.
Among the distinguished guests present was Hon. Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr., Provincial Governor of Mountain Province; Hon. Ezra A. Gomez, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Chairman on Agriculture; MP-PLGU Sangguniang Panlalawigan Hon. Joshua B. Fronda; MP Hon. David Cocoeyen, Bontoc Municipal Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR); Hon. Jimmy K. Galingan, Provincial IPMR; Engr. Mary Jane S. Tumapang, Provincial Agriculturist; Mr. Philip S. Felipe, Country Director of SOCODEVI Philippines; Ms. Mabel Grace Batong, Program Coordinator of SOCODEVI Philippines; and Mr. Vincent Melchor Andawi, General Manager of SACGPO, and members of SACGPO.
In his welcome message, MPSU President Dr. Edgar G. Cue expressed his gratitude to the partners and guests, emphasizing the shared vision of empowering Indigenous farmers, strengthening community-based livelihoods, and preserving the cultural heritage embodied in Cordilleran coffee.
โThe Agsama Kape Project speaks directly to the heart of what we stand for at MPSU,โ Dr. Cue said. โIt is a call to action to strengthen our local coffee value chains, to champion climate-smart agriculture, and to ensure that women, Indigenous peoples, and young farmers are at the center of development,โ he added.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment among the partners to nurture a future โas strong, rich, and deeply rooted as the coffeeโ that represents the pride of the Mountain Province and the Cordillera.
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