Taocanga, Manay, Davao Oriental — May 6–8, 2025 — Four months after the ceremonial planting of 30,000 coffee seedlings, the Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) returned to Sitio Matabang in Taocanga to check on the progress of its community-based coffee farming project. This visit marked a crucial checkpoint for the university’s flagship initiative, “Empowering Indigenous Communities through Regenerative Agriculture, Biodiversity, and Culture.”
Led by DOrSU’s faculty and research team, the three-day monitoring activity aimed to assess plantation conditions, provide technical guidance to local farmers, and map out the next steps for strengthening the project’s sustainability. Early observations indicate healthy seedling growth and strong community involvement, suggesting that the project is thriving in both agricultural and social dimensions.
The visit also marked the beginning of geo-tagging the coffee planting sites — a move that enhances data accuracy and supports the long-term monitoring, evaluation, and transparency of the initiative. University officials emphasized that follow-up monitoring will continue in the coming months to maintain consistent support to the farming communities.
Launched on January 16, 2025, the project was made possible through the donation of seedlings by Hallmark Corporation via the Kaginhawaan Development Institute, Inc. The original planting activity drew together DOrSU officials, partner organizations, and local Mandaya residents, reflecting the collaborative nature of the initiative.
But the project is more than just a farming venture. At its heart is a drive to support cultural preservation and community empowerment through the Kapunungan ng Mandaya sang Diomabok, a local indigenous peoples’ organization. By anchoring the coffee farming efforts within a framework of Mandaya leadership and participatory governance, DOrSU aims to foster not just food security but also pride in heritage and stronger community cohesion.
The university delegation was led by Program Leader Dr. Mary Fil M. Bauyot, with Assistant Program Leader Ms. Laarni M. Pasion and Component 2 Project Leader Mr. Denrell Hernando. Joining them were team members Ms. Jeni A. Nicolas, Mr. Mark Angeles, Ms. Anne Batingal, Mr. Danver Palmiano, Ms. Cindy Lasco, Ms. Mia A. Acolbe, Ms. Jessa Mae Longyapon, and Ms. Rosebella Toñares.
Through this effort, DOrSU reaffirms its commitment to linking education, sustainability, and inclusive development—one seedling, one community, and one cultural identity at a time.