The Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) has officially forged partnerships with Bicol Entrepreneur for Mushroom Agriculture Cooperative (BEMAC) and Kuya B’s Mushroom House, today, April 4, 2025, through a memorandum of agreement, marking a significant collaboration aimed at advancing mushroom cultivation, production, and marketing in the Bicol region.
The signing ceremony took place at the CBSUA Admin Building’s Board Room, bringing together representatives from all three entities.
University President Dr. Alberto N. Naperi expressed his strong optimism about the partnership. “This collaboration is a significant step forward for CBSUA,” Dr. Naperi stated. “It perfectly aligns with our commitment to provide quality and relevant education by leveraging our research capabilities and technical expertise, to effectively address the challenges and opportunities within the mushroom industry in our region.”
CBSUA’s support to BEMAC and Kuya B’s Mushroom House will encompass research and development aimed at solving mushroom-related issues and creating innovative cultivation technologies. Furthermore, CBSUA will offer technical assistance and consultancy, conduct advanced mushroom cultivation training, help optimize production processes, evaluate current methodologies, and provide support for mushroom-related product development and marketing.
BEMAC, under the leadership of Chairperson Nobelita C. Condat, a cooperative deeply rooted in the Bicol region, shares a parallel dedication to mushroom cultivation, production, and marketing. Chairperson Condat emphasized the cooperative’s commitment, stating, “BEMAC is founded on the principle of working together for the betterment of our members and the wider agricultural community. This MOA is a testament to that commitment, and we are excited to contribute to the growth and sustainability of the mushroom sector in Bicol.”
Meanwhile, Kuya B’s Mushroom House, led by its Proprietor, Mr. Boss Jowen S. Salazar, has established itself as a key player in mushroom production and marketing. Mr. Salazar highlighted his enthusiasm for the joint venture, saying, “We at Kuya B’s Mushroom House are thrilled to formalize this partnership. We believe that by combining our practical experience with CBSUA’s academic rigor we can drive innovation and create even greater opportunities for our community.”
The agreement underscores the critical role of collaboration in achieving shared objectives, particularly in tackling mushroom-related production issues, enhancing farming techniques through joint research initiatives, and delivering valuable support services to the agricultural sector. All parties involved acknowledged the enduring importance of resource sharing, mutual cooperation, and strong networking in the successful realization of their collective mission.
This partnership holds the promise of significant long-term benefits for local farmers, university researchers, and students alike, paving the way for increased innovation and expanded opportunities within the mushroom industry. With CBSUA, BEMAC, and Kuya B’s Mushroom House united in this endeavor, the future of mushroom farming in the Bicol region appears bright and full of potential.
Also present during the MOA signing were esteemed university officials including Dr. Ramona Isabel S. Ramirez (VP for Research and Innovation), Dr. Vladimir Foronda (Director, Extension Services Division), Prof. Rowel M. Castuera (Campus Administrator, Sipocot Campus), Dr. Arce D. Bellere (Director, CBSUA Mushroom Processing and Research Center), along with other distinguished guests and university personnel.
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