Eastern Visayas accepts 2022 cacao output challenge

PALO, Leyte, Oct. 27 (PNA) –- More than 500 cacao planters, traders and other stakeholders gathered in the first regional industry forum as Eastern Visayas region accepted the challenge to raise local cocoa beans production to 5,000 metric tons (MT) by 2022.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) opened on Thursday the two-day forum of cacao stakeholders held at the Leyte Academic Center here.

The gathering signals the acceptance of the national challenge to produce 100,000 mt of cacao nationwide by 2022 with five percent coming from the region.

The cacao industry roadmap aims to expand cacao cultivation from the current estimated 300 hectares to 5,000 hectares after six years.

“With the challenge to contribute five percent of the national output, I am sure we can make it, if we will work together,” said DA Regional Executive Director Wilson A. Cerbito.

The event also aims to unify and enhance linkages between cacao growers, traders, processors, and institutional buyers and other concerned groups on the development of local cacao industry.

Cacao trees produce cocoa beans, a major ingredient in making chocolates.

According to the agriculture department, the global demand for cocoa beans is expected to reach between 4.7 million to 5 million mt by the year 2022, and global deficit supply is at one million mt.

For the Philippines alone, the local consumption is at 50,000 mt annually, but the local supply is only around 10,000 mt, making the country a net importer.

This looming deficit has given rise to the Philippine Cacao Challenge, which commits the Philippines to producing 100,000MT by the year 2022 and onwards.

Agriculture Undersecretary for agribusiness and high value crops Evelyn Laviña urged farmers to put their hearts into cacao planting.

“Focus on cacao and be good at it. Put your mind in it and you will succeed. Our goal is not just to produce the quantity and quality, but go for flavorful and fine cacao seeds,” Laviña said.

Valente Turtur, chairperson of the Philippine Cacao Industry Development Council, said farmers must apply locally-tested technology in cacao growing.

"We need to do it right from the start. We need to influence all sectors to follow the standards because we have to earn the trust of international buyers,” Turtur added. (PNA) LAP/Sarwell Q. Meniano & Danica-Ann M. Ultado (OJT)