OUR CFP–PBCI TEAM HOSTED AND CONDUCTED SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURIAL TRAINING AT THE MALIPAYON PEACE HUB

25–29 January 2026, Barangay Managa, Bansalan, Davao del Sur — The Malipayon Peace Hub came alive as Coffee for Peace, Inc. (CFP) and PeaceBuilders Community, Inc. (PBCI) conducted an Agri-Aqua Social Entrepreneurial Training under the Bangsamoro Agri-Enterprise Programme – Leveraging and Expanding Agri-Aqua Production in Bangsamoro (LEAP). Twelve (12) key coffee farmers have shown commitment to the agricultural segment of this program. They are from the Island Province of Basilan and journeyed across Mindanao to take part in this intensive learning experience. Hosted by the Malipayon Peace Hub staff, the training created a safe and nurturing space for skills-building, dialogue, and shared reflection—rooted in the belief that sustainable livelihoods are essential foundations of lasting peace. Over five days, participants engaged in hands-on learning, peer exchange, and practical discussions on agri-aqua production, social entrepreneurship, and market access. The training also emphasized cooperation, trust-building, and shared leadership as vital elements of enterprise development in conflict-affected communities.

_{Participants of the Agri-Aqua Social Entrepreneurial Training at the Malipayon Peace Hub. | The training brought together 12 coffee farmers from the Island Province of Basilan, who traveled across Mindanao to strengthen their skills, confidence, and shared vision for sustainable livelihoods. Hosted by the Malipayon Peace Hub staff, the activity formed part of the Bangsamoro Agri-Enterprise Programme – Leveraging and Expanding Agri-Aqua Production in Bangsamoro (LEAP), sponsored by People in Need (PIN) and funded by the European Union (EU). 25–29 January 2026, Bansalan, Davao del Sur.}

A Program Rooted in Peace and Inclusive Development

The LEAP Project is embedded within the broader Bangsamoro Agri-Enterprise Programme, which seeks to strengthen agricultural and fishery-based livelihoods in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The programme supports farmers and fisherfolk by improving production practices, enabling value-addition, and expanding access to ethical and sustainable markets.

The activity is sponsored by People in Need and funded by the European Union.

CFP and PBCI: Integrating Enterprise and Peacebuilding

As consulting partners, Coffee for Peace, Inc. and PeaceBuilders Community, Inc. offered a distinctive approach that integrates social entrepreneurship with peacebuilding. CFP shared practical experience in agri-enterprise development, ethical trade, and value-chain strengthening—particularly within coffee and smallholder farming systems. PBCI complemented this with its long-standing work in peace and reconciliation (PAR), emphasizing trust-building, inclusive leadership, and conflict-sensitive engagement.

Training Focus and Learning Highlights

Over the course of five days, participants engaged in interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and reflective sessions covering:

Sustainable agricultural production adapted to island and upland contexts
Social entrepreneurship and enterprise mindset development
Value-adding, post-harvest handling, and quality improvement
Market access, pricing, and ethical buyer relationships
Integrating peacebuilding values into livelihood and enterprise initiatives

Peer learning was central to the training, allowing participants to share experiences from Basilan while learning from examples in other parts of Mindanao

Voices from the Participants

Participants consistently highlighted the training’s impact on both their skills and their sense of purpose.

Muktar Bairulla Abdurasa reflected: “This training has opened new horizons for us. Learning how to add value to our coffee and marine products gives our families hope. We are not just producers anymore—we are entrepreneurs who can shape our own future.”

Alsaoud Ilaji Hamsai shared: “Coming from Basilan to Davao was already a big step for us. What we gained here is not only knowledge, but inspiration. I return home ready to lead and collaborate with my community.”

Rei Palencia emphasized confidence and exposure: “We realized that even small farmers from Basilan can connect to wider markets. This training helped us believe in our own potential.”

Ramina Jadjuli spoke about inclusion and empowerment: “As women, our voices were heard and respected. I feel more confident now to take part in planning and decision-making for our community’s livelihood.”

Looking Ahead: Growing Enterprise, Nurturing Peace

The Agri-Aqua Social Entrepreneurial Training at Malipayon Peace Hub affirmed a simple but powerful truth: livelihood, leadership, and peace grow best together. By equipping farmers with practical skills, entrepreneurial confidence, and peace-centered values, the programme contributes to long-term resilience and sustainability in Bangsamoro communities.

As participants return to Basilan, they carry with them new knowledge, strengthened networks, and renewed hope—ready to cultivate enterprises that support shared prosperity, social cohesion, and lasting peace.