Demonstrating its commitment to regional innovation and inclusive development, Partido State University joined government agencies, local government units, industry stakeholders, and academic institutions in the Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting and the Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the development of the Manual of Specifications for the Bikol Pili Geographical Indication (GI) held on June 29โ30, 2026 at the DTI Regional Office V, Legazpi City.ย
The initiative is led by the Department of Trade and Industry Region V (DTI-V) and brings together the provincial LGU partners of Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, and Masbate. Support agencies include the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDEV), and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHIL). ย ย
Through the MOU, partner institutions formalized their commitment to develop a legally sound, scientifically credible, and socially inclusive framework that will protect the identity, quality, and authenticity of the renowned Bikol Pili. The initiative aims to strengthen market competitiveness, safeguard the regionโs cultural heritage, and improve the livelihoods of local pili farmers and processors.
The TWG and MOU also include academic and research institutions such as Bicol University (BU), Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), Partido State University (ParSU), Catanduanes State University (CatSU), Sorsogon State University (SorSU), Camarines Norte State College (CNSC), Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT), and the Bicol Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (BCAARRD).
Representing the producers, growers, processors, cooperatives, and traders are Orgullo Kan Bicol, Inc., Philippine Pili Industry League, Inc. (PHILPILI), Albay Pili and Cacao Industry Association, Inc. (APCIA), Socio-Economic Development Program Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SEDP MPC), and the Association of Sorsogon Food Producers, Inc. (ASORFP).
ParSUโs participation highlights its role as a regional development partner that contributes research expertise, innovation, and community engagement to initiatives that create lasting impact. By supporting the establishment of the Bikol Pili Geographical Indication, the University helps promote value-added agriculture, protect indigenous knowledge, and expand economic opportunities for Bicolano communities.
The Universityโs involvement also reinforces its commitment to sustainable regional development by strengthening collaboration among the academe, government, industry, and local communitiesโensuring that the Bikol Pili continues to serve as a source of pride, cultural identity, and inclusive growth for the Bicol Region.
๐ท: ๐๐ด. ๐๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ข ๐๐ฆ๐ณ๐ชรฑ๐ข
