SULU, February 14, 2024 – Today marks the continuation of a significant partnership between the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Sulu and DA-PRDP, with the signing of the Implementation Management Agreement (IMA) for the first enterprise subproject under I-REAP at the Provincial Capitol of Sulu.

The IMA serves as a covenant between the PRDP Mindanao’s Project Support Office (PSO), Regional Project Coordination Office (RPCO), and Local Government Unit (LGU), specifying the implementation arrangements and specific guidelines for PRDP-funded subprojects within a specified period. It includes details such as the schedule of fund releases and requirements for liquidation reports.

The “Powdered Coffee Processing and Marketing” enterprise subproject with the Kankitap Consumers Cooperative (KCC), a primary coffee producer in Patikul, Sulu, will be funded under DA-PRDP’s Second Additional Financing and European Union Co-Financing Grant (AF2-EU). The subproject aims to increase KCC’s production, boost the enterprise’s revenue, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance the annual net surplus, ultimately contributing to the growth of the coffee industry in Sulu.

Over the years, KCC has actively participated in various coffee expos, promoting their coffee under the brand name “Qahwa Sug” (Coffee from Sulu), derived from the Arabic term for coffee, “Qahwa.” Notably, their Robusta coffee attained recognition in the broader market, earning a QA grade of 82% from one of the country’s esteemed coffee grading bodies.

Sulu Governor Abdusakur M. Tan expressed optimistic expectations for this new partnership with DA-PRDP, anticipating its positive impact on boosting and promoting the coffee industry in the province.

The ceremonial signing of the IMA involved the participation of Gov. Abdusakur M. Tan, Kankitap Consumers Cooperative Chairman Abdulmutalib J. Hajiron, and RPCO BARMM, with I-REAP Business Development Officer Michael Ian Sastrillo and M&E Officer Morsida Salik present.

During the ceremony, PSO Mindanao Business Development Officer Isaias R. Escabarte presented the subproject background of Kankitap Consumers Cooperative and outlined the implementation timeline. Acting I-REAP Component Head Cherrilyn L. Baylon took the opportunity to present and discuss the PRDP Scale Up, another significant project of DA-PRDP.

The ceremonial IMA signing coincided with the 2nd General Assembly of the Federation of Sulu Coffee Industry Cooperatives, adding an extra significance to the activity. (Joy M. Montecalvo)