From Farmer-Scientists to a Stronger Coffee Future:
Varacco’s Smart FARM Journey in Bukidnon
On August 8 and 9, 2026, the Varacco team conducted the final sessions of the Farmers-Scientist Training Program (FSTP) for its partner farmers in Pangantucan and Talakag, Bukidnon. The concluding training focused on hands-on activities in the Smart Farm Nurseries, covering Pest and Disease Management, Internet of Things (IoT) Technology, and Horticultural Handling.
The final training sessions were designed to strengthen the farmers’ practical knowledge, critical thinking, and decision-making skills. Through case studies and hands on activities, the Farmer-Scientists were given opportunities to assess actual nursery situations, make appropriate decisions, and demonstrate how they could apply the knowledge and skills they had gained throughout the training program.
The successful completion of the training culminated in a simple yet meaningful Certificate of recognizing the Completion ceremony, Farmer-Scientists who demonstrated perseverance, dedication, and a genuine thirst for learning. Their commitment throughout the program reflects their determination to improve
nursery management practices and contribute to producing quality coffee seedlings for future planting in the field.
The ceremony at the Portulin Indigenous Farmers and Development Association (PIFDA) was witnessed by members of the association’s Board and Agriculturist technician, together with their leader, Datu Jhonny Guina, who joined in recognizing and celebrating the achievements of the Farmer-Scientists.
Although the completion ceremony marked the end of the formal training sessions, it also signified the beginning of a continuing relationship between Varacco and its partner farmers. The knowledge shared, experiences gained, and lessons learned throughout the program will continue to grow as both Varacco and the Farmer-Scientists work together toward more sustainable and resilient farming communities.
On August 10, the Varacco team visited the Provincial Agriculturist, Ms. Maria Lilith Turan, in Malaybalay, Bukidnon. The visit provided an opportunity for the team to present the Smart FARM Project, its objectives, and the activities conducted through the Smart Farm Nurseries.
The team shared that two Smart Farm Nurseries have been established in Pangantucan and Talakag, Bukidnon. The nursery in Pangantucan is managed by the Portulin Indigenous Farmers and Development Association (PIFDA) under the supervision of Datu Jhonny Guina, while the nursery in Talakag is managed by the Milalitra Farmers Agriculture Cooperative under the supervision of Ms. Joannah Dumaquita.
The discussion also highlighted the implementation of the Farmers-Scientist Training Program and its role in equipping farmers with practical knowledge in nursery management, sustainable farming practices, horticulture, pest and disease management, and innovative agricultural technologies such as IoT.
Beyond sharing the accomplishments of the Smart FARM Project, the meeting also opened an opportunity to discuss Varacco’s commitment to supporting the Province of Bukidnon’s Coffee Road Map by exploring possible areas of collaboration to strengthen the local coffee value chain.
As a Filipino coffee social enterprise, Varacco Inc. is committed to empowering coffee farmers through sustainable farming practices, capacity-building programs, value chain development, market access, and the adoption of innovative agricultural technologies.
The Smart Farm Nursery represents a simple yet meaningful beginning toward addressing one of the important needs of the Philippine coffee industry: ensuring the availability of quality and accredited coffee
seedlings that can help farmers establish productive and sustainable coffee farms.
More importantly, the knowledge gained by the Farmer-Scientists extends beyond coffee production. The skills they acquired in nursery management, pest and disease management, horticulture, and agricultural technology can also be applied to other crops and farming activities. Through knowledge sharing, these Farmer-Scientists can become catalysts for learning within their communities, helping pass on what they have learned to other farmers.
What started in two communities in Bukidnon has the potential to reach more farmers—not only across Bukidnon, but throughout Mindanao and the Philippines. The completion of the Farmers-Scientist Training Program is therefore not an ending, but another step in a continuing journey of learning, partnership, and shared growth.
More importantly, the knowledge gained by the Farmer-Scientists extends beyond coffee production. The skills they acquired in nursery management, pest and disease management, horticulture, and agricultural technology can also be applied to other crops and farming activities. Through knowledge sharing, these Farmer-Scientists can become catalysts for learning within their communities, helping pass on what they have learned to other farmers.
What started in two communities in Bukidnon has the potential to reach more farmers—not only
across Bukidnon, but throughout Mindanao and the Philippines. The completion of the Farmers-Scientist Training Program is therefore not an ending, but another step in a continuing journey of learning, partnership, and shared growth.
– Jessa Celine Carabaca