Bukidnon, Philippines — What started as a small farmers’ association in the remote barangay of Balaoro, Kadingilan, Bukidnon, has grown into a thriving agribusiness. This transformation proves that perseverance, strong leadership, and government support can empower rural communities.

This is the story of the Balaoro Farmers Association, Inc. (BAFA), one of the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) assisted companies in supporting grassroots development.

BAFA started in 1993 with the assistance of the Bukidnon Integrated Services Association Program (BISAP). Initially, the association focused on fruit trees, carabao, and goat dispersal projects.

In 2006, BAFA separated from BISAP and, for a time, managed to sustain its operations without the assistance of any other agency. However, in the following years, the organization struggled due to leadership challenges and dwindling membership.

Determined to revive their association, the remaining 12 members of BAFA initiated a reorganization in 2012, electing a new leadership.

With the assistance from local government agencies and community partners, BAFA secured support from various organizations. These partnerships provided access to training programs, farm equipment, solar dryers, and an office building in 2013.

Recognizing the growing market demand for cacao byproducts, BAFA shifted its focus to cacao production and ventured into tablea processing. A major turning point came when BAFA enrolled in the DTI’s Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). Through the DTI-CARP’s assistance, BAFA successfully branded and launched their flagship product, “Balaoro Tablea.”

This achievement enabled BAFA to participate in various trade fairs, market matching, and entrepreneurship programs, thereby establishing market linkages and opportunities that solidified its presence in the industry.

In 2015, BAFA acquired legal personality through the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registration.

It additionally availed of programs from other government agencies such as the Department of Agrarian Reform’s Mindanao Sustainable Agrarian and Agriculture Development (DAR-MINSAAD) and DTI’s Rural Agro-enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth) Project, among others, for funding for capacity building, cacao nursery development, and processing equipment.

Through the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), BAFA was also granted a complete Cacao Processing and Marketing Project, inclusive of all necessary equipment and machinery, a new processing building, and a delivery vehicle.

Currently, BAFA’s cacao processing and marketing enterprise has expanded, offering a range of products such as fermented and dried cacao beans, tablea, and chocolates.

Through value-adding initiatives, it has enhanced product quality and increased its market competitiveness, catering to both local and international buyers.

In 2024, BAFA recorded sales of P904,636.50 from their cacao beans, tablea, and chocolates.

From 12 members, the association has since grown to 128 active members, with a balanced representation of men and women working together to sustain their cacao enterprise.

BAFA’s story is a testament of how strong leadership, community cooperation, and government support empower grassroots organizations. With its commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation, BAFA continues to serve as a model for rural enterprises striving for growth and stability in the cacao industry. ♦

Date of release: 05 March 2025