SANTA MARCELA, Apayao – Members of the Cordillera Cacao Industry Development Council (CCIDC) convened for the 2nd quarter last July 6, 2023 at the conference hall in Bacut Lake, Sta. Marcela to discuss plans and strategies in boosting cacao production in the region.
The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) has vast available land areas which could be utilized as cacao plantations.
During the first quarter forum of the CCIDC held at Chico Breeze Hotel in Bontoc, Mountain Province last March 29, 2023, High Value Crop Development (HVCD) program focal Joan D. Bacbac of the Department of Agriculture (DA) emphasized cacao as a promising emerging crop of the region, hence it is top 10 priority commodities considered under the HVCD program.
In this meeting, the cacao industry stakeholders from the different CAR provinces, partners from national line agencies and concerned departments, representatives from public and private business sectors, provincial government staff, local officials, and participating institutions shared updates of the Cacao Cordillera Council accomplishments.
Each province likewise presented proposed plans for the second semester of 2023, the Cacao Protocol, and other related matters and issues to strengthen and boost the cacao industry.
Philip O. Uba, LEDIPO Officer of the provincial government, conveyed the message of the provincial governor saying that Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr. is fully supportive of the plans and works of the council. Uba also called to mind the vision of the late Hon. Elias K. Bulut in making Apayao one of the contributors of regional development.
He emphasized the potential of Apayao as a cacao producing province.
DA-CAR HVCDP Agriculture Technologist and Regional Focal Person for Cacao Rolando Renegado explained that based on the Land Suitability Map of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management, the municipalities of Conner, Pudtol, Santa Marcela, and Calanasan are the areas highly suitable for cacao plantation, with the remaining five provinces and the city of Baguio having existing cacao farming areas.
Meantime, DTI Provincial Director Wena Buston assured the private business sector of her support for the industry saying, “Haan kayu nga agdanag ta adda kami laeng ditoy nga mangsuporta kadakayu.”
CCIDC Chairperson and CEO of Dulce Chocolates Inc. Ms. Eva Ritchel Padua during her talk encouraged the provincial representatives to share their best practices and challenges, adding that “Kung gusto ninyong magkaroon ng training sa cacao industry, you can make your proposals now.”
The CCIDC is planning to conduct their 3rd quarter meeting in Kalinga in September 2023. By Jomela Dela Torre
