The Montañosa Coffee Center (MCC), in collaboration with the Extension Unit and the Department of Agroforestry and Forestry, conducted a training on coffee plantation establishment, care, and maintenance in partnership with ACDI/VOCA at MPSPC-Paracelis Campus on March 2-3, 2023. This training aimed to equip participants not only with advanced technologies in coffee care and maintenance but also to promote sustainable practices to enhance climate resilience and reduce environmental impact. In line with climate action goals, the training emphasized sustainable agricultural practices. Participants were encouraged to plant and manage coffee trees as a dual-purpose approach: increasing coffee production in Paracelis while contributing to reforestation efforts, reducing soil erosion, and enhancing local carbon sequestration. These environmental benefits align with broader climate adaptation and mitigation goals, particularly in safeguarding agroforestry areas from climate-induced risks.
The resource persons included Dr. Alver W. Claudio, MCC Director, who presented the history of the Montañosa Coffee Center and highlighted the role of coffee plantations in climate resilience. Mr. Domingo L. Lawagey, MPSPC Coffee Nursery Coordinator, covered topics such as the production of quality coffee and coffee propagation while emphasizing techniques to minimize the carbon footprint in coffee cultivation. Mr. Edgar Pandosen, an ACDI/VOCA representative, shared insights on nursery establishment and plantation management with a focus on sustainable practices that support ecosystem health. Additionally, Mr. Ricarte Guitelen, President of the Western Red Berry Pickers Association (WRBPA) from Sagada, was invited to share his success in sustainable coffee production and processing, inspiring participants to adopt eco-friendly methods.
Farmers from Paracelis and students from MPSPC Paracelis Campus actively participated, gaining valuable knowledge on climate-friendly coffee farming techniques. This initiative reflects MPSPC’s commitment to promoting agricultural practices that benefit both the community and the environment.
