TRECE MARTIRES CITY- To further strengthen the opportunities for the cacao industry the Agricultural Training Institute Region CALABARZON in partnership with the Villar SIPAG Farm school conducted the first batch of the five-day “Training on Cacao Production, Processing and Marketing” last June 14 to 18, 2021.
As part of our strategies in adapting to the “new normal”, the five-day training was conducted using the blended approach with lectures delivered via zoom application and a face-to-face modality for actual field demonstration. Thirty (30) participants joined the training via on-line and twenty (20) participants from Regions 4A, 4B and 5 attended the face-to-face activities at the ATI IVA Training complex and actual field demonstration at Silang, Cavite.
The activity aims to enhance the participants’ knowledge and skills and acquaint them on the production and postharvest handling of cacao, processing and marketing of cacao products. Expert cacao practitioners and staff of partner agencies in promoting the cacao industry served as resource speakers.
As highlight of the training, the participants had the chance to visit Auspere Nature Farm located in Silang, Cavite, where they learned the best practices of the said farm from its cacao production to marketing of their cacao products.
The opening and closing activities were graced by Sen. Cynthia A. Villar, Chairman, Senate Committee on Food and Agriculture; Dr. Rosana P. Mula, Deputy Director of ATI and Ms. Marites Piamonte-Cosico, ATI IVA Center Director.
A notable impression was given by Mr. Jeffrey S. Manalo, of Tuy, Batangas he said “Let us do our part, let us show them na may kinapupuntahan ang mga pondo ng government. Let us implement what we have learned. The challenge is on us. Let us join hands with the government to uplift the cacao industry. Let us join hands to strengthen agriculture industry.”
In her closing remarks, CD Cosico gave a strong message of support to each participant.
“Ang pagiging positibo ng ating mga magsasaka sa bawat hamon na hinaharap sa araw-araw. At ito ay makikita sa masigasig na paglahok sa mga ganitong gawain o pagsasanay at patuloy na palawigin ang kaalaman at kakayahan upang maitaas ang kanilang ani at kita sa pagsasaka. Kaya naman, kami sa Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka katuwang din ang ating mga aktibong partner tulad ng Villar SIPAG Farm School ay patuloy na susuportahan ang mga magsasaka sa industriya ng cacao. Dahil tulad nyo, hangad namin ang maabot natin ang mataas na produksyon ng cacao at magkaroon ng masaganang ani at mataas na kita.”
Written by: Marian Lovella Parot and Vira Elyssa Jamolin