UP Mindanao School of Management

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 | 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐒𝐀𝐁𝐄 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐔𝐏𝐋𝐁 𝐈𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐃 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐊𝐊𝐌𝐈

The 3rd year students of the BS Agribusiness Economics program visited the Institute of Cooperatives and Bio-Enterprise Development (ICOPED) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños and the Katipunan ng mga Kooperatibang Maggagatas, Inc. (KKMI) in Calauan, Laguna on November 13-14, 2025. This learning visit is part of their courses ABE 152 (Agricultural Cooperatives and Self-Managed Business Enterprises) and ABE 139 (Qualitative Methods in Agribusiness Research) under Asst. Prof. Rodgessa A. Lopez and Mr. Francis Levi A. Durano, respectively.

The visit allowed students to immerse themselves in ICOPED’s mandate, operations, and research programs on cooperative development. They also engaged with KKMI, a federation of dairy cooperatives, gaining firsthand insight into its supply aggregation systems, organizational dynamics, and the role of federations in strengthening the dairy value chain. This experiential learning activity helped students connect classroom concepts with real-world cooperative practices they can apply in their future agribusiness endeavors.

THE FINAL CHAPTER: CELEBRATING OUR ACHIEVEMENTS TOGETHER

The Inclusive Value Chain Project (ACIAR AGB 2018/196) is an Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)-funded project which was implemented from August 2021 to October 2025. This project enhanced the design, implementation and adoption of inclusive value chains in smallholder farming systems in the Philippines. The University of the Philippines Mindanao, under the School of Management, explored roles, conditions and specific interventions that improved participation and engagement, which benefited the livelihoods of selected Sultan Kudarat coffee farmers, their communities, and their chain partners. One of its final activities is the closing program.

A project closing signals the formal completion of all deliverables and provides an opportunity to officially turn over project resources, including interventions, equipment, and materials. Holding a closing program also ensures that stakeholders are fully informed about the end of the project, so they are not left hanging once the implementation period is over. UPMin and its project partners had been engaging with the Coffee Farmers Association of Hinalaan (COFAH) and Nuling Coffee Growers Association (NCGA) since 2022. Some of its officers had the chance to visit the UPMin campus in Davao during their exposure trip in culmination of their Organizational Strengthening training in March 2025.

As a formal project conclusion, the UPMin Coffee Case Study Team conducted two separate programs with the COFAH and with the NCGA on November 12, 2025 in Kalamansig and Lebak, respectively.

The COFAH event was attended by the officers, committees, and members in their newly constructed building. This building will eventually house the association’s office and the equipment given to them by a prospective institutional buyer. It was within the compound where the five IVC Philippines project-assisted elevated solar dryers were stationed. On the other hand, NCGA’s program was held at the multipurpose shed (locally named as training center) beside the ACIAR project assisted coffee nursery. It was participated by the officers, board of directors, members, Barangay Captain Marvin Barabag and Municipal Agriculturist Office of Lebak Representatives Ms. Idel Lloren (F) and Mr. Dale Managad. Both COFAH and NCGA’s buildings were constructed from the associations’ funds and members' cooperation.

On both programs, the IVC Philippines presented several videos that can be accessed through their YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/. In addition, the team also turned over some supplies and materials to COFAH and NCGA that they can use for future organizational activities. Moreover, as a commitment of the project to sustainability, the associations and its community were introduced to UPMin’s Gender and Development (GAD) Laboratory in Agri-Aqua and Natural Resources (AANR) https://www.facebook.com/gadlabinaanr.

The Project Closing Activity was co-organized by University of the Philippines Mindanao IVC Philippines Project Team members Marilou Montiflor (F), Roxanne Aguinaldo (F), and Dave Laurence Dela Cruz (M). Meanwhile, the GAD Lab Team members were Lady Lard Janica Aban (F), Gerlie M. Fuentes (F), and Rodrigo Lanaban, Jr. (M). For more information about the IVC Phils project, visit their website: https://upmin-ivcphil.up.edu.ph/.

𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦

The third year BA Communication and Media Arts (BACMA) students enrolled in the Management 101 class of Prof. Glory Dee Romo visited Talikala, Inc. to further understand its interventions and services for marginalized women. Through this orientation and some management tools, they were able to identify the class projects that could meaningfully contribute to the organization’s realization of its vision and mission.

𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 | Prof. Glory Dee Romo, Asst. Prof. Rodgessa Lopez, and Ins. Francis Levi Durano, the School of Management’s faculty, are grateful to the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) for the opportunity to publish a paper in line with its 12th Five-Year Development Plan that recognizes the importance of gender across the agricultural systems. This paper is produced from the DOST-funded gender and development research project. The authors hope these findings will help enhance the gender responsiveness of research in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources sector.

New SEARCA publication calls for systemic change toward gender equity in AANR research - SEARCA LOS BAÑOS, Philippines—The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) has released a new research note urging a systemic approach to embedding gender perspectives across the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) research landscape. The stu...

𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐧𝐮𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬| 𝐁𝐒 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐬
𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗖. 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼, 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟭𝟵
𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘧 𝘌𝘹𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘖𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘳, 𝘋𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘐𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘛𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺 𝘚𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴

Meet Nathalie “Nath” Mica C. Mindanao, a graduate of the BS Agribusiness Economics (BS ABE) program, who is now the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Digitalsense Information Technology Solutions. Nath serves as a testament to how a BS ABE degree can lead to transformative paths in the agricultural sector.

“I chose Agribusiness Economics to develop strong analytical and management skills while contributing to the growth of the agricultural sector,” she shared. “Mindanao, being a hub of vast agri-based resources and opportunities, needs innovative solutions to boost productivity and market access.” For Nath, her undergraduate journey was not just about theories or models—it was about the people. “The highlight of my life as a BS ABE student was being able to build genuine relationships with my classmates, fellow ABE students, and our faculty members. These connections enriched my skills and shaped who I am today,” she recalled.

She fondly remembers the moments of solidarity during DULA, when the small yet mighty ABE community had to persist in every event to avoid disqualification. “Despite the challenges, those struggles united us, and we proudly emerged as overall champions,” she added.

Today, Nath carries the spirit of teamwork and innovation, a true mark of an ABE graduate. “My BS ABE background equipped me with a strong foundation in both business and agriculture, allowing me to see opportunities for innovation in the sector. It shaped my path as an agritechpreneur, giving me the skills and mindset to create solutions that uplift farmers and modernize agribusiness practices.”

From the confines of the UP Mindanao classrooms to the corridors of an agritech company, Nath embodies an Agribusiness Economist for the people—bridging industries, empowering communities, and proving that growth and compassion can go hand in hand.

School of Management Faculty Dr. Ligaya Leal and Researcher Dr. Marilou Montiflor, together with other UP Mindanao colleagues, presented their respective proposals to the PCA for comments and suggestions.

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒| 𝐁𝐒𝐀𝐁𝐄 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐔𝐏 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐨 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

BS Agribusiness Economics students Joelle Aldrice Cartoneros and Alexia Dominic Duat of the Society of Agribusiness Economists (SOABE), together with Noelle Angelie Lago, Zenia Rhea Adlawan, and Maia Elaine Lanquino of the UP Mindanao School of Management Student Council (SOMSC), participated at the Mindanao Development Forum (MDF) 2025, held on October 1–2, 2025 at Dusit Thani Residence Davao. MDF 2025 was organized by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

Through MinDA’s initiative to engage the youth sector in shaping the future of Mindanao, the students participated in dialogues and discussions with policymakers, industry leaders, and development partners on advancing inclusive, sustainable, and resilient growth across the region.

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊| 𝐁𝐒𝐀𝐁𝐄 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐌

BS Agribusiness Economics students served as student facilitators and documenters during the Advocacy Forum and Technical Assistance Sessions organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) under the European Union (EU)-funded Bangsamoro Agri-Enterprise Programme (EU-BAEP) on October 1–2, 2025 at Go Hotels Lanang, Davao City.

The students— Meldan Miguel Abadines, Carmela May Andam, Ana Rose Gabasa, Dyann Andrea Likwong, Lian Noelle Navarra, and Princess Jazz Solis — helped facilitate forum discussions, assisted agribusiness participants during information sessions, and documented salient discussions throughout the event.

The forum gathered BARMM institutions, provincial governments, private sector representatives, and agribusiness beneficiaries to strengthen awareness and build capacity on Halal and food safety certification and promote inclusive market access in Mindanao.

📢 𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄
The NutriGIDA Project and the UP Mindanao School of Management invite you to a Public Lecture on 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐲 (𝐖𝐓𝐏) 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐨𝐧-𝐡𝐲𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬, featuring 𝐃𝐫. 𝐑𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐥𝐟𝐨 𝐌. 𝐍𝐚𝐲𝐠𝐚, 𝐉𝐫., Professor at Texas A&M University, Fulbright Senior Scholar, Agricultural & Applied Economics Association Fellow, and an internationally recognized expert in consumer and food economics.
This is a hybrid lecture, to be held both face-to-face and via Zoom, with limited slots available for the on-site session.
🔗 𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐨𝐰: https://bit.ly/WTP-Public-Lecture

𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝐒𝐎𝐌 𝐊𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟 𝐀𝐘 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓–𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The UP Mindanao School of Management (SOM) welcomed its new and continuing students during the BS Agribusiness Economics (BSABE) Orientation Program held on 19 August 2025 at the Case Room of the SOM Building. The event began when the first year students of AY 2025-2026 were formally recognized by BSABE Program Coordinator, Asst. Prof. Shemaiah Gail P. Placencia, before proceeding to the series of program highlights.

Dean Aurelia Luzviminda V. Gomez, delivered the welcome remarks and overview of SOM, inspiring students with the school’s vision and role in shaping future leaders in management and agribusiness economics. The orientation also introduced faculty and staff, presented by the College Secretary, Asst. Prof. Roxanne T. Aguinaldo, followed by discussions on the BSABE program and the services offered by the Office of the College Secretary.

Student leaders and organizations also took the spotlight, with SOM Student Council’s (SOMSC) Chairperson, and Society of Agribusiness Economists’ (SOABE) CEO sharing their groups’ activities, opportunities for student involvement, and encouraged first year students to take part. The program concluded with closing remarks from Prof. Pedro A. Alviola IV, PhD, leaving participants energized and motivated.

Read article here: https://som.upmin.edu.ph/shaping-future-leaders-som-kicks-off-ay-2025-2026-with-student-orientation/