A University of the Philippines Mindanao (UPMin) researcher offered recommendations to improve the incomes of Robusta coffee farmers at the recent 17th Supply Chain Management Forum on "Sustainable Growth and Optimization in Agricultural Value Chains," which was held online by the UPMin School of Management (SOM).

Researcher Mark James Saguimpa reported that at least 80 countries produce coffee, 50 of which are developing countries, with the Philippines ranking 23rd globally and 7th in Asia. In 2019, the Philippines had a gross coffee bean production of 37,727 Metric Tons, with SoCCSKSarGen Region (Region XII) accounting for 34.57% of this volume.

The speakers and facilitators of the School of Management's Knowledge Management Initiatives

The UP Mindanao School of Management (SOM) delivered its "Knowledge Management Initiatives," a lecture forum, online on March 18, 2024. The forum discussed cacao farming in Davao, the resources in Mt. Apo Natural Park, and mango production in Samal Island.

Instructor Francis Levi Durano presented their team's research on the "Technical efficiency of cocoa farms at varying elevation levels in Davao City, Philippines: Implications to sustainable upland farming systems." Cocoa is a high-value crop in the Philippines, and their findings showed that increased input costs and the number of trees per hectare are key factors in production efficiency. Also, older and more developed farms and a farmer with a family contribute to farm efficiency. However, farms with higher elevations and older farmers are prone to inefficiency. He stated that the study contributes to Sustainable Development Goal #12, Sustainable Production and Consumption, and SDG #15, Life on Land.

UP Mindanao was named as one of the Top 10 National Government Agencies/Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations/ Local Government Units for the taxable year 2023 of the Bureau of Internal Revenue's Revenue District Office No. 113A-West Davao City who has significantly contributed to the BIR's continuing effort to collect taxes for nation building. 

UP Mindanao's Chief Accountant Zenaida G. Calatrava, CPA,. (fourth from left in the photo above) received the Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the University in the ceremony "Tax Campaign Kick-Off," held on March 12, 2024, at the SM City Davao Activity Center. She is accompanied on stage by (left-right) Revenue District Officer Eliezer O. Deligero, Assistant Regional Director Carmen Grace Linga-Comoda, and Regional Director Esmeralda M. Tabule.

The ceremony and recognition served to instill awareness and encourage timely and accurate submission of Annual Income Tax Returns for taxable year 2023.       

The School of Management will celebrate the 29th UP Mindanao Anniversary with offerings during SOM Week from March 18, 2024, onward. All the forums will be held online via the Zoom platform.

On March 18, Monday is the "Knowledge Sharing Initiatives" Public Lecture Series featuring Instructor Francis Levi Durano, Associate Professor Ligaya R. Leal, and Asst. Prof.Vlademir Shuck.

On March 20, Wednesday, is the "17th Supply Chain Forum," featuring six speakers who will present their research findings.  

On March 21, is the School of Management Policy Forum. In the morning, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, is "e-Tuna: Digitizing Traceability System for Tuna in Davao Region." Registration is FREE via bit.ly/SOMPolicyForum1. 

In the afternoon is the "School of Management Policy Forum: Bridging Research Evidence into Policy and Action." Three faculty members will present their research on tourism, gender, and infectious disease mitigation. Registration is FREE via bit.ly/SOMPolicyForum2.

On March 22, the forum "Gender-Responsive Policies for Women Empowerment" will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon. This will be followed by a soft launch of the upcoming book "Inclusive Policies for Women in the Agrifood Sector: A Guide for Local Policymakers in the Philippines."