A  more dynamic and competitive cacao production in Misamis Oriental while conserving and protecting the Tagoloan River Watershed is now possible for cacao farmers in Misamis Oriental.

Thirty-two (32) farmers of the Cacao Farmers Association in Claveria (CFAC) officially received the cacao post-harvest and processing equipment and facility from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Misamis Oriental’s Shared Service Facilities (SSF) program.

The SSF worth P1.02M comprises of fermentation box, solar dryer, roasting machine, sheller, and grinder.

The turnover is significant in providing efficient post-harvest and processing facilities for cacao farmers to develop the Philippine Cacao Industry by enhancing the characteristics and quality of cocoa and considering the Philippine market position of producing and exporting fine, tasty tablea.

The project is intended to develop the association’s 20 hectares of fruit bearing cacao trees planted within 500 meters away from the Tagoloan River; generate an increase of more than 5% in annual sales over ten years; expand the target market and develop the cacao industry sector in Misamis Oriental; and protect the watershed areas by planting more trees.

The association is expected to produce about 2,375 kilograms yearly of 100% pure cocoa which is hygienically molded from pure chocolate liquor grounded from roasted fermented beans and sealed in food-grade plastic packaging.

The turnover is implemented by the Integrated Natural Resources Environmental Management Project-Livelihood Enhancement Support (INREMP-LES) 2 of DTI Misamis Oriental and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.♦

Date of Release: 29 March 2021