Published June 25, 2026 by The CSU Lal-lo Innovator
Selected as one of only two Cagayan State University (CSU) campuses to participate in the Balik-Saliksik Campus Visit Program, CSU Lal-lo welcomed local and international partners as it strengthened collaborations supporting its vision of becoming an agro-industrial ecotourism destination through the CoffeeHub, a sustained instruction, research, extension and production effort as the campus distinguishes itself as the Coffee Center in Northern Luzon.
Representatives from the Association of International Dynamic Educators (AIDE) Inc., the Graduate School of CSU Andrews, and the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office II visited the campus as part of the program, which seeks to strengthen partnerships in research, innovation, and community development for the Coffeehub program.
The collaboration has already resulted in assistance for CSU Lal-lo’s coffee development program, with AIDE providing P100,000 for the renovation of the campus’ coffee training hall, and nursery.
As the AIDE Inc.'s Vice President for Professional Development, Dr. Urdujah G. Alvarado, former president of CSU and initiator of the CoffeeHub program, emphasized the importance of sustaining partnerships that connect research and innovation with community development initiatives.
“The support being extended to CSU Lal-lo’s coffee initiative is an investment not only in agricultural development but also in the future livelihood opportunities that the project can generate,” Dr. Alvarado said.
The visit allowed AIDE Inc.'s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Lynne Ciocon, and other officers of the organization to assess the progress of projects they have previously supported while exploring opportunities for future collaboration in research, agriculture, and community development.
In his message, Dr. James B. Cabildo, CSU Lal-lo campus executive officer (CEO), emphasized the role of partnerships in advancing the university’s long-term development goals.
“Our vision is for CSU Lal-lo to become one of the agro-industrial ecotourism sites in Northern Luzon,” CEO Cabildo said, noting that contributions from partner institutions have helped move the campus closer to realizing that goal.
CEO Cabildo described the Balik-Saliksik Campus Visit Program as more than a university engagement, saying it reflects a shared commitment to collaboration, innovation, and community empowerment among academic institutions and development partners.
“Research achieves its true value when it creates meaningful impact in communities, and partnerships like this with AIDE allow us to transform ideas and innovations into tangible benefits for our farmers, students, and researchers,” he said.
He also highlighted the campus’ developing coffee hub, expressing optimism that continued collaboration with partner institutions would further strengthen the initiative and showcase not only the agricultural potential of CSU Lal-lo but also the dedication of the people behind it.
The Balik-Saliksik Campus Visit Program highlighted the continuing collaboration among CSU Lal-lo, AIDE, and other government agencies in advancing sustainable development, community-centered research, and the campus’ long-term development agenda.