By Andre Alfonso R. Gutierrez
In the coffee-growing municipality of Tagbina in Surigao del Sur, an unusual product is reshaping how local farmers earn from their harvest: coffee jam.
What began as a science-backed project to enhance rural livelihoods has given rise to an emerging micro-industry that goes beyond traditional coffee bean sales.
The initiative is part of a broader government-supported effort titled “Empowering Communities in Surigao del Sur through Technology Transfer and Adoption of Publicly-Funded R&D Outputs.”
The initiative focuses on translating research innovations into practical, income-generating activities for underserved areas.
Researchers from North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Caraga and the Tagbina local government, developed and introduced the coffee jam technology to local communities.
The goal is to help farmers create a shelf-stable, value-added product that can access niche markets and offer more stable income opportunities.
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Science helps drive local business innovation
Mayor Glaiza Jane Polizon-Lanete called the initiative a working example of science-driven local development, according to the Philippine Information Agency.
She emphasised that partnerships between researchers and communities can strengthen grassroots innovation while bringing direct economic benefits.
As part of the rollout, training sessions and demonstrations have been conducted, involving cooperatives such as the San Nicolas Development Cooperative (SANIDECO).
These activities aim to increase community engagement and enable knowledge-sharing among farmers.
Sustainability at heart of agricultural growth
While the long-term viability of coffee jam as a rural industry remains to be tested, early outcomes suggest that tapping into research and applying it locally holds promise for more inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth.
The project highlights a shift in rural development thinking in the Philippines, favouring collaborative innovation over top-down aid, offering a replicable model for other regions.
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