The International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet) and the University of Camarines Norte (UCN) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on 9 September 2026 to organize the 2nd International Congress on Pineapple (ICOP).
UCN President Atty. Ryan L. Estevez, DPA and TFNet CEO Mr. Muhamed Salim bin Mohd Ali led the MOA signing. Additionally, Dr. Rosalie A. Almadrones, UCN Vice President for Research and Extension, Dr. Arlene Alegre, Director of the Queen Pineapple Research and Development Center, and Mr. Christian Cangao, TFNet Information Officer, signed as witnesses.
Both organizations recognize the importance of enhancing the productivity and global competitiveness of the pineapple industry through the exchange of novel technologies and innovations that contribute to the reduction of postharvest losses, assurance of product quality and food safety, and promotion of environmental sustainability. ICOP 2026 provides a venue for collaboration among researchers, industry experts, policymakers, academicians, extension workers, and stakeholders.
Under the MOA, UCN serves as the principal host for ICOP2026 exercising overall supervision, leadership, and coordination of the Congress. Meanwhile, TFNet acts an international partner, responsible for coordinating the participation of foreign institution and international experts. As such, TFNet invited Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Acting Director General of the Southern Horticultural Research Institute (SOFRI), Vietnam and Dr. Sobir, Researcher from Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB), Indonesia to speak during the plenary session. Also representing the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (MPIB) are Ms. Nor Diana Abdullah and Ms. Siti Rafidah MD Upon.
Other ICOP 2026 co-organizers also signed their respective MOAs, including the Philippine Fruit Association (PFA), the Bicol Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (BCAARD), and the Department of Agriculture (DA), Bicol Region.
