The Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) and University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) have formalized a partnership to combine research, innovation and agricultural expertise in support of smallholder farmers. Under a Memorandum of Understanding, the two institutions will collaborate on farmer training, knowledge sharing, technology transfer and capacity building to lift productivity, strengthen farm enterprises and advance sustainable practices nationwide.
A central focus is enhancing JGF’s Agri-Tech Facilitators Program, which trains farmer leaders and community extension workers to help peers adopt locally suited technologies and methods. UPLB’s research leadership will deepen technical training for facilitators, while JGF’s market-linkage experience complements this through its Farmer Entrepreneurship Program—already empowering over 1,800 farmers across 12 provinces, supplying 20 million kilos of produce and generating more than ₱1 billion in collective income. The alliance will also explore expanded crop initiatives, including green bell pepper development.
“Meaningful solutions emerge when institutions combine their strengths,” JGF president Gisela Tiongson said, noting the shared vision of inclusive value chains and food security. UPLB chancellor Dr. Jose Camacho Jr. described the pact as a model for academe-industry collaboration, aiming to drive livelihood transformation and inspire further partnerships toward inclusive, sustainable development for all Filipino families.
