Mantala coffee business draws help
THE Department of Science and Technology (DoST), the local government of Valencia City and the Manggayahay Tribal Association Inc. (Mantala Inc.) inked a deal to improve the coffee processing through various science, technology and innovation interventions.
The parties sealed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) on January 16 at Sitio Migtulod, Mt. Nebo, Valencia City, Bukidnon.
The DoST and the Valencia local government unit (LGU) committed to support the coffee production of Mantala Inc., an organized group of Talaandig coffee farmers in Valencia City.
Through this partnership, DoST will provide coffee-processing equipment including coffee pulper, dehydrator, coffee bean grinder machine, and more.
DoST will also conduct training on food safety and good manufacturing process (GMP) to the beneficiaries.
With these technical assistance, 137 Talaandig farmers are expected to gain additional income.
During the signing, LGU Valencia, represented by the City Mayor Azucena “Sunny” Huervas, pledged P2 million for the construction of Mantala Inc.’s coffee-processing facility.
This substantial contribution will help the beneficiaries enhance their processing area, ensuring compliance with GMPs and paving the way for the acquisition of the license to operate issued by the Food and Drug Administration. This commitment underscores the dedication to quality and sustainable growth in the local coffee industry.
“One of our most significant priorities is to assist the IP Community in Valencia City,” said Mayor Huervas.
“From the City Mayor’s Office, we are with you in promoting the ‘Love at First Taste’ experience of Migtulod coffee to support the livelihood of the Talaandig people,” he added.
The ceremony commenced with an Indigenous ritual performed by the Talaandig community to honor their highest God, Magbabaya, and express gratitude for the collaborative efforts of DoST and LGU Valencia.
Datu Smith Ecat, Mantala Inc. president, formally opened the ceremony, extending heartfelt thanks to DoST and LGU Valencia for their pivotal role in uplifting the livelihoods of Sitio Migtulod.
The event continued with impactful messages from Bukidnon Provincial Director Ritchie Guno, Marven Selecios and Huervas, emphasizing the significance of empowering Indigenous communities to combat poverty.
Before the MoA signing, Kapitan Luchie Baluco, the barangay chairman of Sitio Migtulod, expressed profound gratitude on behalf of Mantala Inc., promising to cherish the interventions pledged by DoST and LGU Valencia.
The initiative is aligned with the first Sustainable Development Goal, aiming to eradicate poverty, as well as the eighth goal, focused on promoting decent work and fostering economic growth, as outlined by the United Nations.
The initiative is also firmly rooted in the DoST’s Pillar of Wealth Creation.