Insider Spotlight
The two institutions signed a memorandum of understanding covering farmer training, knowledge sharing, technology transfer and capacity building, combining UPLB's agricultural research expertise with JGF's experience in developing inclusive agricultural value chains.
Why it matters
A major focus will be JGF's Agri-Tech Facilitators Program, which develops farmer leaders and community-based agricultural extension workers who help other farmers identify, test and adopt technologies and practices suited to local conditions.
Jollibee Group Foundation president Gisela Tiongson said the partnership could strengthen the support available to farming communities.
“Lasting and grounded solutions are built when institutions come together and contribute what they do best,” Tiongson said in a statement.
Zoom in
The collaboration will give Agri-Tech Facilitators stronger technical knowledge and more comprehensive training, enabling them to translate agricultural research into practical solutions farmers can use on the ground.
The partnership will also explore new farming technologies and capacity-building initiatives for crops such as green bell pepper, the company said in the company statement.
JGF's program initially trained participants in agricultural extension methods and in identifying, testing and promoting innovations that could strengthen agro-enterprises.
Zoom in
The collaboration will give Agri-Tech Facilitators stronger technical knowledge and more comprehensive training, enabling them to translate agricultural research into practical solutions farmers can use on the ground.
The partnership will also explore new farming technologies and capacity-building initiatives for crops such as green bell pepper, the company said in a release. JGF's program initially trained participants in agricultural extension methods and in identifying, testing and promoting innovations that could strengthen agro-enterprises.
The bigger picture
UPLB Chancellor Dr. Jose Camacho Jr. sees the tie-up as an example of how universities and businesses can work together to create broader economic and social impact.
“UPLB and JGF are honored to formalize this partnership. We are hopeful that this collaboration will create greater public value by transforming livelihoods through research, innovation, and community engagement. We also trust that this partnership will demonstrate the impact of meaningful academe-industry collaboration and inspire more private sector organizations to work with universities in advancing inclusive and sustainable development,” Camacho said.
JGF's Farmer Entrepreneurship Program has supported more than 1,800 smallholder farmers across 12 provinces. Participating farmers have collectively supplied more than 20 million kilos of produce and generated over P1 billion in farmer income.
The UPLB partnership is expected to further strengthen that network by helping farmers improve productivity, develop more resilient enterprises and adopt sustainable practices while expanding opportunities for their families and communities. — Princess Daisy C. Ominga | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
