TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite- With the aim to enhance the knowledge and skills of Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) and cacao farmers and acquaint them on the appropriate post-harvest technologies for cacao production, the Agricultural Training Institute CaLaBaRZon and Philippine Center for Post-harvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) conducted the Training of Trainers’ on Mechanization and Post-harvest Technologies for Cacao.

“Nakita po namin sa aming consultative workshop with our stakeholders, the farmers and provincial and municipal agriculturist, that the training on cacao mechanization was highly requested,” Ms. Vira Elyssa L. Jamolin, Project Officer, discussed in the rationale of the training.

The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office IV-A (DA RFO IV-A), represented by Ms. Maria Ana S. Balmes, Cacao Focal Person, discussed the updates on High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) Mechanization in CaLaBaRZon region. She emphasized the interventions of the DA to boost the cacao production in the region such as distribution of cacao seedlings and establishment of cacao processing center.

Mr. Paolo Tatlonghari of the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture discussed the Cacao industry in the country and the Philippine Cacao Roadmap for 2016-2022. Through this comprehensive roadmap, the cacao industry hopes to spur development through livelihood creation, job generation, and income augmentation thereby contributing to poverty alleviation, inclusive growth, and peace and order attainment particularly in the rural areas. (Peace and Equity Foundation Office, 2016)

The training also gives emphasis on the importance of financing the cacao production. Mr. Renato W. Barreiro of Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) discussed the Production Loan Easy Access (PLEA) and Survival and Recovery Assistance Program (SURE).

Engr. Andres M. Tuates, Jr., Science Research Specialist II of PhilMech, discussed the system of cacao phostharvest processing and the utilization of cacao wastes for industrial and commercial application. He also facilitated the processing of tablea, cacao wine and other beverages which was held at Quezon Agricultural Research and Experiment Station (QARES) in Tiaong, Quezon.The participants were also introduced to the use of microbial control agents in managing Vascular-Strike Dieback (VSD) of cacao presented Dr. Dionisio Alvindia. Scientist III of Philmech. Also, Dr. Alvindia discussed the use of microbial stater for enhancing the fermentation of cacao.

Engr. Robeline Daquila of PhilMech shared the matured technologies on drying for fermented cacao beans. Meanwhile, Mr. Roderic Vereña, presented the Industrial Promotion Program of PhilMech.

“Marami po kaming natutunan pero ang nakakatuwa po dahil ang mga topics ay on point. On point po at very timely lalo po sa aming nag-uumpisa at nangangarap na asosasyon. Marami kaming kaalaman na talagang magagamit sa pagbalik namin sa aming sakahan at marami din kaming kaalaman na maibabahagi sa aming kapwa miyembro at magsasaka,” one of the participants shared.

A total of 32 participants were trained last May 29-31, 2018 at Uma Verde Econature Farm in Candelaria, Quezon.

The training was headed by Ms. Jamolin together with Mr. Mervin Vitangcol and Ms. Janine L. Cailo as training management staff.