Joji (aka Lakambini Mapayapa) graduated from the University of Santo Tomas (B.Sc., 1979). She also studied International Relations at the University of the Philippines. She moved to Canada in 1986 and since then developed a successful career in the investment and financial industry. She returned to the Philippines in 2006. As CEO of Coffee For Peace, Inc., she became the Women Entrepreneur Winner of CitiBank-Business in Development Network, Philippines in 2010. She also received, in 2015, an N-Peace Award from the United Nations Development Program – Impact Investment Exchange Asia (UNDP-IIXAsia) in behalf of the women who comprise the 80 percent of the farming farmers of Coffee For Peace, Inc. She was invited for the N-Peace Awards Ceremony at One UN Hotel, New York, NY. In October of 2017, Lakambini completed her Master of Entrepreneurship in Social Enterprise Development, Ateneo de Manila University - Graduate School of Business. Asked why she left her career in Vancouver, Canada for Mindanao: “I can’t imagine having a summary of my life printed on my tombstone as: ‘Spent her life managing rich people’s money.’ I want to be remembered as: ‘A person who walked with the people as they find dignity through sustainable economic development.’”
Author's posts
BREWING PEACE TOGETHER: A JOURNEY OF SHARED LEADERSHIP, VOLUNTEERISM, AND HOPE IN DAVAO’S COFFEE COMMUNITIES
On March 26, 2026, during the celebration of National Volunteer Day, I stood in deep gratitude as the Department of Agriculture, through the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries, conferred upon our work the Regional Level Most Promising Sectoral Committee Award. I received this recognition not as a personal achievement, but as a reflection of a shared journey—a journey shaped by community, sustained by relationships, and guided by a collective vision for a more inclusive and peaceful agricultural sector. This moment affirmed that when diverse stakeholders come together with trust and shared purpose, meaningful transformation becomes possible. It also reminded me that the seeds we plant through volunteerism—though often unseen—grow into lasting impact in the lives of farmers and communities. Above all, it strengthened my resolve to continue serving with humility, knowing that every step forward is carried by the strength of many, not just one.
Permanent link to this article: https://waves.ca/2026/03/31/brewing-peace-together-a-journey-of-shared-leadership-volunteerism-and-hope-in-davaos-coffee-communities/
WE’RE GLAD TO BE INVOLVED IN A COLLABORATIVE COFFEE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT IN BASULTA
Last 17-22 May 2024, I, Joji Pantoja, Board Chair and President of Coffee for Peace, had the privilege of traveling to the island provinces of Sulu and Basilan in the southern Philippines. Accompanying me on this journey was Joseph “Ka Boyet” Ongkiko, Executive Vice President of PeaceBuilders Community, Inc. Our mission was clear and purposeful: to explore the potential for developing a sustainable coffee industry in these regions, fostering both economic growth and peace. We were invited by Maradeca Inc., a dedicated local non-governmental organization, and People in Need (PIN), a reputable international NGO. Both organizations recognized the transformative potential of coffee farming in these provinces and sought our expertise in designing a comprehensive training program for the local coffee farmers. This is part of the LEAP Project (Leveraging and Expanding Agri-Aqua Production), a groundbreaking initiative by PIN designed to boost economic development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Permanent link to this article: https://waves.ca/2024/05/24/were-glad-to-be-involved-in-a-collaborative-coffee-industry-development-in-basulta/
I’M SO BLESSED TO BE AT THE 2022 MWC GLOBAL ASSEMBLY IN INDONESIA
Indonesia 2022 gathering was my sixth year and my last event serving as chair of the Peace Commission of the Mennonite World Conference (MWC). I feel the joy of watching our team working together to see MWC embrace the Statement on Solidarity with the Indigenous People. For me, this is the most exciting part of the last 6 years serving with the Peace Commission. I have been blessed working with the women and men whom I learned to respect and love. I pray that MWC would continue to serve the Body of Christ; to serve the nations towards justice and peace; and, to serve as a healing body in the process of decolonization and reconciliation in this world.
Permanent link to this article: https://waves.ca/2022/07/15/im-so-blessed-to-be-at-the-2022-mwc-global-assembly-in-indonesia/
ON MENTORING YOUNG WOMEN LEADERS: SHARING MY JOURNEY WITH ASHOKA COLLEAGUES
This morning, I delivered my valedictory address in behalf of my online classmates at Ashoka.Org. According to their website, “Ashoka is the first and largest network of leading social innovators in the world. Founded in 1980, Ashoka pioneered and helped establish the field of social entrepreneurship. There are now over 3,500 Ashoka Fellows in 93 countries who are working in all fields—from health and human rights to education and the environment. Since 2013, Ashoka has been electing Ashoka Fellows from the Philippines.”
Permanent link to this article: https://waves.ca/2020/10/24/on-mentoring-young-women-leaders-sharing-my-journey-with-ashoka-colleagues/
COFFEE FOR PEACE WINS NATIONAL EMPLOYER AWARD AMONG MICRO-ESTABLISHMENTS
Last Friday, 04 October, I was at The Sheraton Manila Bay to receive an award from the National Wages Productivity Commission of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-NWPC). They recognized Coffee For Peace as The National Winner in productivity and fair employment among Micro Establishments in the Service Industry. This is a category of the DOLE-NWPC’s 2019 Productivity Olympics.
Permanent link to this article: https://waves.ca/2019/10/06/coffee-for-peace-is-wins-national-employer-award-among-micro-establishments/
THE INDIGENOUS WEDDING OF ADUNA AND JAY ENRICHED MY INTERCULTURAL OUTLOOK
Dann and I were invited to serve as principal sponsors at the marriage ceremony of Aduna Saway and Jay Manpatilan. It’s a great joy to be invited into the merging clans and respective tribes of this beautiful Talaandig bride and this handsome Higaonon groom. With the expressed blessing of Jay and Aduna, we’re sharing their wedding story to our global community.
Permanent link to this article: https://waves.ca/2019/05/09/the-indigenous-wedding-of-aduna-and-jay-enriched-my-intercultural-outlook/
COFFEE FOR PEACE HELPS ACHIEVE U.N. SUSTAINABLE GOALS IN THE PHILIPPINES
It is my joy to lead the staff, farming partners, barista partners, post-harvest processing partners, field training partners, and all the investing partners of Coffee For Peace, Inc. Because of everybody’s smart work and hard work, other institutions have noticed our team performance. Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) cited CoffeeForPeace.Com as one of the inclusive businesses …
Permanent link to this article: https://waves.ca/2017/08/10/coffee-for-peace-helps-achieve-u-n-sustainable-goals-in-the-philippines/
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