The National Seed Quality Control Services (NSQCS) Cordillera Administrative Region Satellite conducted a ceremonial tagging of Coffee Robusta Mother Trees on September 4, 2024, at the Kalinga State University Clonal Nursery, Bulanao Campus.

The event was attended by representatives from NSQCS-CAR, the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Agricultural Program Coordinating Office (APCO) – Kalinga, the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) CAR, the High Value Crops Program, private coffee enthusiasts, KSU officials, and faculty and staff from the College of Forestry.

The primary objective of this activity was to raise awareness about the significance of Plant Nursery Accreditation and Plant Material Certification in the production of high-quality planting materials. It also served as a platform to underscore the critical role of seed quality control in sustainable agriculture.

Mr. Jefferson A. Himson, Center Director of the Coffee Research Center, emphasized the importance of this initiative in enhancing the quality of coffee production at the university. He noted that the ceremonial tagging would further promote the propagation of superior coffee varieties, ensuring KSU’s access to high-quality planting materials, which in turn would boost yields and improve the overall quality of coffee produced in the province.

In her opening remarks, BPI-NSQCS CAR Satellite Chief Jena C. De Guzman highlighted the significance of the event as a milestone for both the Province of Kalinga and the BPI-NSQCS CAR Satellite. She remarked that this marks the first certified tagging of Robusta Coffee mother trees, specifically the FRT 23 and FRT 65 varieties, in the region.

Representing Dr. Eduardo T. Bagtang, University President, Dr. Lope T. Buen, Vice President for Research and Extension, stressed the importance of quality coffee in today’s market. He described the ceremonial tagging of the Coffee Robusta Mother Trees as a symbol of hope for the future of coffee production at the university. Dr. Buen also expressed his gratitude to the supporting agencies for their commitment to enhancing coffee reproduction at KSU and for providing quality seedlings to the university.

The program continued with a discussion on the requirements for the certification of mother trees, followed by the ceremonial tagging of the Robusta Coffee Mother Trees.