Four Months In: DOrSU Checks In on Coffee Project Progress in Taocanga

Four months after the ceremonial planting of 30,000 coffee seedlings, Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) returned to Sitio Matabang, Taocanga, Manay from May 6 to 8, 2025, to monitor the progress of its community-based coffee farming initiative under the flagship program, “Empowering Indigenous Communities through Regenerative Agriculture, Biodiversity, and Culture.”

The site visit served as a checkpoint to assess the current condition of the plantations, provide technical guidance to farmers, and identify next steps to strengthen sustainability efforts. Initial field observations indicated positive growth performance and continued community engagement in maintaining the farms.

The monitoring activity also marked the beginning of geo-tagging the planting sites, which will enhance documentation, tracking, and evaluation in the succeeding phases of the project. The university affirmed that monitoring will continue in the coming months to ensure consistent support and guidance.

Initiated on January 16, 2025, the coffee planting project was made possible through the donation of seedlings by Hallmark Corporation under Kaginhawaan Development Institute, Inc. The initial activity was joined by university officials, partner institutions, and local residents.

Beyond agricultural goals, the project promotes socio-cultural development through the Kapunungan ng Mandaya sang Diomabok, an indigenous peoples’ organization that fosters Mandaya leadership, cultural preservation, and participatory local governance.

University representatives present during the activity included Program Leader Dr. Mary Fil M. Bauyot, Assistant Program Leader Ms. Laarni M. Pasion, and Component 2 Project Leader Mr. Denrell Hernando. Also part of the project monitoring team were project 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.

This 3-day monitoring affirms DOrSU’s role in bridging education, sustainability, and inclusive development in rural and indigenous communities.