𝗗𝗢𝗿𝗦𝗨 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝟯𝟬 𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗮𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮
On January 16, the Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) hosted a ceremonial planting of 30,000 coffee seedlings at Sitio Matabang, Taocanga, in Manay, Davao Oriental. This initiative is part of DOrSU’s project titled “Cultivating Prosperity: Empowering Indigenous Communities through Leadership and Regenerative Coffee Farming,” which aims to support local farmers in advancing regenerative coffee farming practices. Made possible by the generous donation of the seedlings from Hallmark Corporation, the event was a symbolic gesture of growth, unity, and environmental restoration.
Adding further significance to the occasion was the oath-taking ceremony of the Indigenous People (IP) leaders for the newly established 𝘒𝘢𝘱𝘶𝘯𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘯 𝘯𝘨 𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘺𝘢 𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘋𝘪𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘬. Organized on October 28, 2024, the 𝘒𝘢𝘱𝘶𝘯𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘯 serves as a platform for empowering the Mandaya communities residing near Lake Diomabok, fostering collaboration among its members, and promoting the preservation of their cultural heritage.
The elected officers include Jenares Malagdao as President, Noli Magno as Vice President, Terisita Magbutong as Secretary, Palerma Bayacag as Treasurer, Milky Awit as Auditor, Jojo P. Monico as Public Information Officer, and Jhonny Jan Monico as Business Manager.
The oath-taking was administered by DOrSU Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, Dr. Misael B. Clapano. Also present were key university officials, including Director for Research Dr. Lanie B. Laureano, Director for Extension Dr. Mary Fil M. Bauyot, and Director of Cooperative Development Center Ms. Jeni A. Nicolas.
The 𝘊𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺 project is spearheaded by Dr. Mary Fil M. Bauyot, with Ms. Laarni M. Pasion as Assistant Project Leader. Project members include Dr. Jeralyn Hemillan, Ms. Jeni A. Nicolas, Mr. Mark Angeles, Dr. Lealyn Gumban, Mr. Denrel Hernando, and Ms. Khristine Mae Ramiro. This project exemplifies the collaboration between DOrSU and the Barangay Local Government Unit of Taocanga, Manay. It also benefits from the involvement of various university programs and centers, such as the Center for Gender and Development, Cooperative Development Center, Culture and Arts Affairs Office, BS in Agriculture, and BS in Agribusiness Management.
DOrSU’s active leadership in these initiatives highlights its dedication to advancing socio-economic progress and environmental regeneration in Davao Oriental. Anchored on its Regenerative Futures vision, the University continues to solidify its role as the frontrunner of transformative education and community empowerment in the province and beyond.
