On February 4, 2026, Mindoro State University (MinSU), through its Awati TI-KAPE Community Development Program, conducted field monitoring and stakeholder engagements to address bottlenecks in quality control and market linkages for indigenous heirloom coffee under Project STIR-CoFS (Smart Technology Intervention for a Resilient Coffee Food System).
Led by Assoc. Prof. Zussette C. Aplaon, the program team inspected post-harvest processing practices to ensure compliance with quality standards, science-based methods, and culturally responsive procedures. To strengthen market access and explore export opportunities, commodity exporters Mr. Brian Edwin Rodriguez and Mrs. Rosette Rodriguez of R. Rodriguez Non-Specialized Wholesale Trading met with Municipal Mayor Ferdinand M. Maliwanag to discuss potential international trade for Mansalay coffee.
The team, together with Municipal Community Development Officer Marilou C. Lozano, visited the community coffee processing facility in Sitio Galang, Panaytayan, and the local roastery at La Sersita Casitas and Water Spa Beach Resort, highlighting product development and technology transfer by serving freshly brewed Liberica coffee, showcasing the distinct flavor of Mansalay heirloom coffee.
A multi-sectoral meeting followed with coffee farmers and community leaders, including Pastor Danny Ayupad of Calibang, President of SAMAKA, and Pastor Garcia Ganyuan, SAMAKA Treasurer of Tanawan. Philanthropists Ms. Minwa Oh and Mr. Manfred Oh, donors of the community coffee dehuller, and PESO Manager Allan Fabila were also present. Discussions focused on enhancing production, ensuring quality assurance, and positioning Mansalay coffee in international markets, including participation in the World of Coffee event in San Diego, California, this April.
Project STIR-CoFS is a multi-partite collaboration among MinSU, DOST-MIMAROPA, the Local Government Unit of Mansalay, and SAMAKA, anchored on the university’s priorities of inclusive instruction, research, extension, and innovation for sustainable indigenous community development. (jdtdc)
via Kristine Grace Villanueva
Photo courtesy | AWATI TI-KAPE
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