Published April 29, 2025 by Jenerwin M. Columna| Campus Information Officer
LAL-LO, Cagayan — The Filipino Coffee Institute (FCI) has affirmed the market and quality potential of the Robusta coffee beans produced by Cagayan State University (CSU)–Lal-lo, following a cupping session and product evaluation held on April 29, 2025 at the Community Outreach Center.
Led by FCI President and Chief Executive Officer Ramon Jerry Cabalce, the evaluation focused on the sensory qualities like taste, aroma, as well as the overall market potential of the university’s local coffee produce.
While noting some areas for refinement, Mr. Cabalce commended the solid foundation and unique branding concept of CSU Lal-lo’s coffee line, highlighting distinct characteristics inspired by key personalities from the university and local community.
The activity, which also involved discussions on coffee cultivation, post-harvest practices, and roasting methods, was part of CSU Lal-lo’s broader efforts to develop a research-based coffee enterprise in Northern Philippines.
These efforts are continuously carried out under the Php5-million Research, Development, and Extension (RDE) CoffeeHub Program, led by Dr. Ana Marie Cristina C. Cauilan, Vice President for Internationalization, Partnership, and Resource Mobilization.
VP Cauilan, who actively advocates for local coffee development and student-driven agri-enterprises, pushes to establish a coffee research center in the campus through the collaboration of the campus and university stakeholders, as well as the local government units and community.
Among the coffee lines developed by CSU Lal-lo are the Valena Heritage Coffee, the flagship blend already available in the market; Oliviante Coffee Blend, which was first served during the soft launch of the Nueva Segovia Café on July 29, 2024, as part of Lal-lo’s 443rd Patronal Town Fiesta and 24th Cabibi Festival; King Arthur Dark Roast Coffee, a bold and robust brew inspired by Engr. Arthur G. Ibañez, Officer-in-Charge of the CSU Presidency, known for its strong flavor and aroma symbolizing courage and determination; and Urdujah Premium Blend Arabica Coffee, a smooth yet vibrant Arabica blend named after former CSU President Urdujah G. Alvarado, crafted from beans grown at the Valena Site.
All blends are developed by a team led by Associate Professor Mark Gregory Asejo, study leader of the ₱192,740-funded component study on Valena Heritage Coffee Blend, with colleagues Asso. Prof. Althea Manuel and Mr. Ronald Espada from the College of Hospitality Management.
The two newest blends, King Arthur and Urdujah Premium, were formally introduced to the university’s Management Committee in August 2024 but remain under internal trial as part of ongoing research before official release.
All coffee products use beans harvested from CSU Lal-lo’s Valena plantation, which cultivates Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa varieties across nearly 6,000 mature trees. The university is also preparing to open a campus-based coffee shop this quarter to serve its signature blends.
With continuing support from FCI and active community collaboration, CSU Lal-lo is positioning itself as a key player in the coffee industry in Northern Luzon.