LOS ANGELES, Butuan City – In celebration of the World Chocolate Day, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII was invited to join the Philippine Chocolates Virtual Forum via Zoom and FB Live this coming July 7, 2021 at 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm.

The activity aims to promote the world-class Philippine cacao and chocolates locally and globally and will be spearheaded by the Philippine Cacao Industry Council (PCIC).

Key persons who are expected to give their messages were Consul Armi L. Garcia - PCIC Chairperson, Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Evelyn G. Laviña, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, and Sylvia Ordoñez – PCIC Vice-chair for Luzon.

During the forum, representatives from successful companies will speak during the “Cacao and chocolate talks”. The titles of topics are: “Bean-to-Bar Chocolates: What does it really mean?”, “Best Practice: Sector Collaboration through Cacao City Marketing Coop, the Davao Cacao City Specialty Store Experience,” and “ In Chocolates, we make Lives Sweeter.”

Further, the half-day activity will be highlighted by the launching of “Usapang Kakao at Tsokolate” (a virtual cacao information/marketplace) to be spearheaded by Consul Garcia.

The World Chocolate Day, also called International Chocolate Day, was introduced by Europe and first celebrated in 2009. It is celebrated every 7th day of July.