TESDA, Nestlé start training 50 coffee farmers on Coffee Production Level II in Bukidnon

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has started training a total of 50 coffee farmers on Coffee Production Level II in the Bukidnon Integrated Coffee Center (BICC) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City.

The free training is part of the agency’s partnership with Nestlé Philippines under a memorandum of agreement they signed last May 9.

“This is why Tesda and Nestlé Philippines are joining hands to carry out the coffee production project. By upskilling the workers and trainers in coffee production, we will enable the farmers and indigenous people to produce quality coffee beans that are at par with the standards of Nestlé,” said Isidro Lapeña, TESDA Secretary.

Out of the 50 scholars, 25 individuals belonging to the first batch are coffee growers and coffee farm workers are from Maramag town, while the other 25 individuals are from Lantapan town. They are the first two batches for this training program.

The first batch of scholars started their training through a virtual Training Induction Program held last June 24. The second batch followed on July 1, 2021.

The training in Coffee Production Level II, which covers modern coffee growing and entrepreneurship lasts for 25 days and is being conducted through a combination of in-person and distance learning.

The training program has allotted 200 scholarship slots in Bukidnon this year and will accommodate six more batches to be identified by Nestlé Philippines.

Following the agreement, TESDA will train the identified beneficiaries of Nestlé Philippines first in Bukidnon and the Province of Sultan Kudarat where 80% of the country’s coffee is grown.

TESDA-XII is currently preparing to implement the Coffee Production Level II in the Province of Sultan Kudarat.

SOURCE: Business Mirror