NEUST COFFEE PRODUCTION NOW RECOGNIZED AS LEARNING SITE FOR AGRICULTURE

By: Rozette Cohleen D. Parungao
Gabaldon Campus

In a significant development on January 23, 2024, NEUST's Coffee Production project received a five-year accreditation as a Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) by the Agricultural Training Institute - RTC III at the NEUST General Tinio St. Campus, solidifying NEUST's leadership in agricultural education and innovation through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between NEUST and the Agricultural Training Institute -RTC III.

According to Assoc. Prof. Adiza V. Dela Cruz, Coffee Project-in-Charge and RET Chairperson of the College of Agriculture, NEUST’s coffee production garnered attention and acclaim in the region, attracting visitors from municipalities interested in venturing into coffee production. These visitors often tour NEUST's coffee production and post-harvest facilities and frequently request training and seminars to enhance their skills and knowledge of coffee pre- and post-harvest practices.

NEUST has prioritized coffee as one of its key commodities, with a dedicated coffee plantation spanning 3.5 hectares. This plantation hosts both mature coffee-bearing trees and newly planted saplings, reflecting the university's dedication to both sustaining and expanding its coffee production efforts. Prof. Dela Cruz also mentioned how the administration through the leadership of the Dean of the College of Agriculture, Mr. Arnold V. Damaso, Gabaldon Campus Director Dr. Franklin T. Dumayas, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training Dr. Rachael R. Moralde, and former University President Engr. Dr. Feliciana P. Jacoba actively supports the project by investing in state-of-the-art secondary processing facilities, including quality roasting equipment and FDA-ready infrastructure, ensuring the highest standards of coffee processing.

Throughout January and February 2024, Prof. Dela Cruz and her team strengthened partnerships with agricultural institutions. Notably, NEUST participated in the 37th Anniversary Celebration of ATI, held in Brgy. Ramon, Dinalupihan, Bataan, where it received a plaque of recognition as a valued partner institution.

The establishment of NEUST's coffee production project as a Learning Site for Agriculture bolsters the university's long-term sustainability plan, ensuring ongoing development of coffee production technologies and positioning NEUST as a central hub for disseminating such technologies, fostering knowledge-sharing and collaboration within the agricultural community.