Mindanao State University at Naawan

Cacao Hub: A Research and Innovation for Sustainability Center (CHRIS Center) – Services

Services

The cacao farmers pay a processing fee for the entire operation and deliver the finished product to the buyers. By sourcing raw cacao directly from local farmers within proximity, farmers benefit from lower transportation costs and MSU-Naawan is ensured of the freshest materials for processing. This service not only strengthens the supply chain but also fosters community relationships, ensuring that local farmers receive fair compensation for their produce. These activities also aligned with the recommendations from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on the use of the equipment DTI will be providing.

The center will be catering research projects from faculty and staff, undergraduate and graduate students for the innovation of new products, processing of other agricultural products, and product trends competitive for the market. It also helps create solutions to problems related to quality and cost.

The Center will be providing technical training to communities and other stakeholders on production or processing technologies and key aspects for food processing such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), and other specific training requirements. Speakers will be invited from the different pool of experts from the University.

Training modules will be standardized to ensure consistency in the communication of information on technologies and techniques to customers. These trainings are also given to promote the sustainability of the processing center.

Collaborations with other government line agencies, including but not limited to the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), among others. Other activities, such as trade fairs and shows promoting innovation and other developments in agriculture, can be organized, facilitated, and hosted by the center.