THE TECHNICAL Education and Skills Development Authority and Nestlé Philippines Inc. renewed their partnership to upskill and reskill trainers and coffee farmers in the country.

On September 18, TESDA Director General Suharto Mangudadatu and Nestlé Philippines Inc. Chairperson Kais Marzouki signed a memorandum of agreement at the TESDA Central Office in Taguig City.

The partnership aims to boost workers’ and trainers’ participation in human capital development to create a pool of qualified, globally competitive and job-ready workforce needed in the coffee subsector.

Specifically, it intends to train farmers in coffee production, develop a pool of trainers and assessors, promote entrepreneurship, and enhance the competency standards on coffee production and other related programs in the coffee sub-sector.

Mangudadatu said that the TESDA- Nestlé collaboration will maintain the quality improvement of the country’s coffee products, and teach the farmers the best practices in planting, harvesting and processing coffee to meet international standards.

“Continuing this partnership with Nestlé will contribute to strengthening the Philippines’ position in the global coffee market. with improved quality and sustainability practices, the Philippine coffee industry can become more competitive on the international stage, attracting coffee enthusiasts and buyers from around the world,” the TESDA chief said.

In May 2021, TESDA and Nestle signed an agreement to help coffee farmers, specifically in Sultan Kudarat and Bukidnon, to increase their yields and to have a more sustainable livelihood.