By Crisdeniele H. Clemente

The Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) Inc. has partnered with Mariano Marcos State University for the Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP) meant to empower smallholder farmers and foster sustainable agro-enterprises.  

The partnership was formalized at the Center for Flexible Learning today, December 18, with a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed by MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis and Ms. Ma. Gisela Tiongson, President of JGF.

The initiative primarily focuses on enhancing the capacity of Local Implementing Partners (LIPs) to support Farmer Groups through an agro-enterprise clustering approach. This approach emphasizes good agricultural practices, agricultural technology, and related expertise. Farmer groups will receive direct coaching to position themselves as preferred suppliers for institutional markets such as Jollibee Foods Corporation.

MMSU, being one of the LIPs, will follow a set of key responsibilities. These include the co-implementation of various activities for the program and the establishment of an Onion Demonstration Farm at MMSU main campus through the University’s research and extension directorates. This aims to showcase various onion varieties, determining the most suitable options for both lowland and upland ecosystems.

Dr. Agrupis expressed her gratitude to JGF for partnering with MMSU. “We are honored for the trust and confidence of Jollibee, one of the most trusted brands in the Philippines.”

For her part, Ms. Tiongson also thanked MMSU for joining JGF in its goal to empower farmers. She expressed confidence that the collaboration will bear impactful results.

The MOA signing was attended by signatories Dr. Nathaniel Alibuyog, vice president for research, development, and innovation, and Ms. Arianne Aldeza, FEP manager. It was witnessed by Engr. Chonito Baldovi, provincial coordinator for high value crops development program, Norman Bolusan, Ayat ti Pasuquin Farmers and Irrigators Association president, Jan Paolo Vicente, FEP senior program officer, Frances Mae Mata, FEP program officer, Dr. Marilou Lucas, director for extension, Dr. Dionisio Bucao, director for research, Prof. Emil James Tanagon, director for student affairs and services, Ms. Bella Gervacio, MMSU-Extension Directorate chief for training and continuing education, and other university personnel.