To push for the development of a joint program on agro-entrepreneurship, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) held an exploratory meeting with the Jollibee Group Foundation, Inc. (JGF) on June 10, 2022.
The development of this partnership, which is aligned with the Council’s goal of developing AANR-based enterprises, is being led by the DOST-PCAARRD's Agri-Aqua Business Hub (AABH).
During the meeting, JGF Senior Program Manager Ma. Laize Ar Cruzat provided an overview of the foundation’s Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP), which was developed to increase smallholder farmers’ income by helping them become agripreneurs. JGF works with smallholder farmers in improving their access to institutional markets and corporate buyers. Included in the program’s intervention package are: (1) clustering, organizing, and capacity building; (2) access to financial services; and (3) linkage to institutional buyers. JGF Program Officer for agri-technologies Jan Paolo Vicente discussed the current agricultural technologies adopted by the JGF, building on Ms. Cruzat’s overview. Soil, weather, production, and machinery and equipment are the general aspects of the technologies covered by the foundation, with focus on soil health management, weather data processing and forecasting, production practices, and production machinery.
Meanwhile, DOST-PCAARRD Socio-Economics Research Division (SERD) Director Ernesto Brown provided information about the Council’s mandates and how the banner programs are operationalized through the Industry Strategic S&T Programs (ISPs). SERD Assistant Director Meliza Abeleda provided an overview of the Agri-Aqua Business Hub (AABH), emphasizing its mandated functions and services in relation to the development of the agri-based micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Technology Transfer and Promotion Division (TTPD) Director Noel Catibog and TTPD Assistant Director Tom Cabagay discussed the Council’s initiatives on technology transfer and commercialization, as well as the patenting process of agricultural machinery and equipment that is intended for use by the farmers.
Recognizing the shared goal of supporting the growth of smallholder farmers and agro-entrepreneurship, DOST-PCAARRD will formalize the partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with JGF. Additionally, a workshop will be scheduled to further determine and establish specific arrangements and protocols under the partnership.