The Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) and the JoRoss Institute of Farming and Technologies Inc. (JIFTI) have officially solidified partnership through the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing on October 10, 2025 at the Ciriaco N. Divinagracia Hall. This aims to establish a unified vision and long-term commitment toward the betterment and capability-building of local farmers and agricultural practitioners in the Bicol region.
JIFTI, a certified TESDA training institute for organic farming and a Learning Site for Agriculture II in Ligao City, Albay, is recognized for its excellence in producing organic products and providing hands-on training. This partnership will drive mutual knowledge exchange and deliver highly relevant programs to address the region’s key agricultural needs. The collaboration will focus on areas critical to Bicolano farmers, including agritourism, rice production, aquaculture, and coconut-based farming systems. Through joint training sessions, technical assistance, and demonstration activities, the collaboration is designed to significantly enhance the skills, competencies, and productivity of farmers and agricultural practitioners.
A major component involves supporting JIFTI in its formal accreditation as an Extension Service Provider (ESP), which will align the institute’s successful organic farming practices with CBSUA’s established outreach standards.
This unified effort is expected to serve as a model for public-private sector partnership for agricultural innovation, increasing the earning capacity of farmers, and securing the long-term economic stability and food security of communities across the Bicol region.
