Published August 06, 2025 by Jenerwin M. Columna
In the uplands and terrains of Cagayan State University at Lal-lo, a quiet but transformative movement is taking root- one cup of coffee at a time.
Cagayan State University (CSU) Lal-lo campus unveiled today, August 6, its Coffee Shop and the Valena Viewdeck, two hallmark infrastructure projects aligned in its quest to be coffee authority in Cagayan province and entire Northern Luzon through the Php5 million institutionally funded research program “Establishment of CSU CoffeeHub: Ensuring the Future of Coffee through Instruction, Research, Extension, and Production (IREP),” spearheaded by Program Leader Dr. Ana Marie Cristina C. Cauilan, Vice President for Internationalization, Partnership and Resource Mobilization.
Inking a major milestone, the completion of the two projects just forms part of the far-reaching CoffeeHub program composed of 11 interlinked projects addressing the entire coffee value chain in Cagayan, funded under the Office of Dr. Junel B. Guzman, Vice President for Research, Development and Extension.
Launched in March 2024, the two-year program mobilizes the academic community of CSU Lal-lo to document coffee culture in Cagayan, analyze market trends, propagate seedlings, rehabilitate coffee farms, development coffee-based products, and offer capacity-building among identified coffee farmers- all contributing to CSU Lal-lo's efforts to strengthen its niche on coffee production and processing, ultimately boosting coffee industry in the province.
Present as a special guest of the launching was former CSU President Dr. Urdujah G. Alvarado who made coffee production and processing as a niche program of CSU Lal-lo during her presidency, setting in motion the university’s vision to make CSU the center for coffee research, development, extension and production.
With the presence of the university officials led by OIC President Dr. Arthur G. Ibañez, the launch gathered key government and sectoral stakeholders including representatives from the Departments of Agriculture, Trade and Industry, Science and Technology, Environment and Natural Resources, Tourism, the Philippine Information Agency, and the Filipino Coffee Institute (FCI), all united by a shared mission to bolster local coffee as both an economic driver and a cultural identity.
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With the concerted efforts of the university and campus administration, faculty, staff and students, the CoffeeHub Café now serves as a showcase of local flavors, offering four blends and brews sourced directly from the Valena Coffee Plantation, a CSU-led production site nurturing different coffee varieties.
Menus in the coffee shop were prepared by the team of Asst. Prof. Crisalyn Pascual while processing of roasted beans was done by the in the Product Development and Training Center led by Asso. Prof. Cherry Udaundo.
The establishment of the coffee shop project alongside the refurbishment of the existing coffee processing center was led by Dr. Policarpio L. Mabborang, Jr., campus executive officer, enhancing CSU’s capacity to produce, process, and serve coffee on-site, while the construction of the Valena Viewdeck, now standing as a symbol of dedication and progress in coffee research and agritourism, is part of the Agri-tourism project led by Asso. Prof. Althea A. Manuel.
The construction of the Valena Viewdeck and coffee shop as well as the refurbishment of the coffee processing facility were made realized through the University Infrastructure Office, headed by Engr. James Busilan, university infrastructure director, assisted by Engr. Engr. Edzel Rendon, campus infrastructure coordinator.
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As part of the launching, Dr. Cauilan presented the current progress of the entire research program, highlighting accomplishments and status of the different projects a year after the program’s implementation.
Among the completed initiatives is the study on the knowledge, attitude, and practices related to coffee production and consumption in the province led by Dr. Cherry S. Wanya. The study resulted in two research paper accepted for publication and an information, education, and communication (IEC) material documenting the coffee culture in Cagayan.
Same report highlighted that the campus has also advanced in coffee seedling production through the efforts of Ms. Roje Marie C. Rosqueta. The report revealed that over 3,100 seedlings were propagated from Cavite State University’s seeds, while another 2,290 came from the Valena Forest Site. The status report also showed 1,427 seedlings have already been planted across roughly one hectare of land.
Meanwhile, the development of signature coffee blends project led by Asst. Prof. Mark Gregory V. Asejo, has yielded three blends: Urdujah Premium Blend, King Arthur Dark Roast, and OliviAnte Blend, each inspired by local heritage and identity.
The program has also ventured into value-added products through Asst. Prof. Joyce C. Pattung leading the creation of coffee-based spa essentials under the “Valena Bliss” brand. Such effort resulted in 50 coffee-scented candles in three variations, 30 coffee scrub soaps in two variations, and two utility model applications for product protection.
Meanwhile, the “Valenanet" ( https://valenanet.free.nf ), developed by Dr. Mary Jane B. Habon, alongside other faculty from the College of Information and Computing Sciences, created an interactive and sustainable website to promote CSU coffee products and initiatives online.
According to Dr. Cauilan, the extension component, “From Bean to Cup,” led by Boyet C. Pattung, has so far trained 125 farmers on sustainable coffee production, distributed 450 seedlings, and engaged seven farmer cooperators or adopters in the program.
She also shared that ongoing researches are being conducted in tissue culture production of different coffee types, led by Asst. Prof. Diosa G. Alasaas, to ensure the genetic quality and diversity of future plantations, while technological innovation on post-harvest machinery is also being pursued in processing under the leadership of Engr. Roger P. Rumpon, to enhance technology for sustainable coffee quality, refine roasting, grinding, and packaging systems for both consistency and market appeal.
Likewise, economic viability is also being assessed through an ongoing cost and return analysis on coffee production and processing by Dr. Maribel L. Fernandez, ensuring that farmers and cooperatives can adopt profitable and sustainable practices.
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Aside from the formal launching of the two infrastructure projects, the university, campus and agency officials gracing the activity engaged in a tree planting near the campus’ entrance beside the CSU-DBP Greening project.
The team of officials also visited coffee nurseries established both by the CoffeeHub program and FCI to monitor ongoing efforts in coffee seedlings production.
Through the expertise of the FCI President and Chief Executive Officer Ramon Jerry Cabalce, the officials had a cupping session of the current campus coffee blends at the Valena Coffee Plantation, an experience that allowed the officials experience coffee right at the very place where the coffee beans are produced.
It was noted that the CSU has entered into a partnership with the FCI to boost coffee industry in the province with CSU as a lead agency.
The launching of the hallmark infrastructure projects was led by CEO Dr. Mabborang and Mrs. Winibeth S. Burgos, campus administrative officer, among other project leaders with the help of the Local Government Unit of Lal-lo by clearing the access roads to the Valena coffee farm.
The program's implementation is led by Dr. Cauilan with the supervision of the Office of Dr. Junel B. Guzman, Vice President for Research, Development and Extension.