by the Community Extension and Outreach Programs Office
Saint Louis University (SLU) has taken a step in enhancing its Community Extension Program through a partnership with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples-Cordillera Administrative Region (NCIP-CAR) and the Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) of Sitio Domolpos, Tinongdan, Itogon, Benguet to promote coffee tourism in the region held on 19 October 2023.
The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by SLU, NCIP, and ICCs/IPs of Sitio Domolpos. The MOA outlines the collaborative efforts of the three parties to develop a sustainable coffee tourism program that will benefit the local community.
This collaboration, which also aimed to promote community development and engagement, reached a significant milestone. On 9 October 2023, SLU, with the assistance of NCIP representatives, posted a Notice for a Conference and Disclosure in relation to the Certification Precondition (CP) Application of SLU entitled, “The Potential for Coffee Tourism (Benguet Coffee Project)” in Domolpos community.
SLU was represented by a distinguished group, including Ms. Charmaine P. Mendoza, Director from the Community Extension and Outreach Programs Office (CEOPO); Extension Program Coordinator, Ms. Eliza Joyce Palaroan; EHM Department Head, Dr. Leilani de Guzman; and Dr. Carmelita Amista, Faculty of HTM.
The conference was a productive exchange of ideas and insights among the participants. SLU representatives listened to the concerns of the ICCs/IPs and addressed their questions. The conference concluded with a commitment from all parties to work together to develop a sustainable coffee tourism program that will benefit the local community.
Moreover, the partnership between SLU, NCIP, and ICCs/IPs of Domolpos is a positive step towards promoting sustainable development in the province.
