The Apayao Cacao Industry Development Council (ACIDC) Technical Working Group (TWG) is finalizing preparations for this year’s World Chocolate Day celebration on July 7, an event meant to spotlight local cacao farming and its growing role in the province’s agricultural direction.
During a meeting held June 10 at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Apayao Conference Hall in Luna, the Technical Working Group (TWG) mapped out a slate of activities designed to raise visibility for Apayao’s cacao efforts.
The celebration opens with a motorcade and a flag-raising ceremony in Barangay Salvacion, where attendees can enjoy free cacao drinks. The lineup also includes a visit to the cacao model farm with tree planting activities, and a chocolate-tasting corner featuring champorado and native hot chocolate.
Cacao seedlings will also be available for sale at Capitol Park, with bundled promos such as free drinks, wellness services, and shirts for bulk buyers.
The TWG is also preparing for the 2025 Apayao Provincial Cacao Quality Competition to highlight bean quality and processing excellence in the province.
The council is also moving forward with long-term goals, such as the proposed establishment of a Cacao Center to serve as a hub for training, research, and post-harvest processing. Modern cacao farms in Luna, Pudtol, and Flora are being considered as model sites for scaled-up production, and standardized integrated farm guidelines for one-hectare lots are being drafted to guide both new and current growers.
To give farmers a platform for dialogue and support, the council is also proposing a Farmers Forum that will tackle pressing production issues and explore business opportunities in the cacao supply chain.
Private sector co-chair Dolores Ortega called for deeper cooperation across stakeholders: “It is important for us as a council to work together. We appreciate everyone’s support. We are here to collaborate and improve the cacao industry in Apayao. Together, we can achieve this.”
The council is banking on sustained partnerships and community involvement to turn cacao into a viable long-term livelihood, with World Chocolate Day serving as celebration and springboard for Apayao’s cacao journey. By Loremia Pareja
