RECOGNIZING its market potential, Senator Mark Villar extended his support to the industry by promoting cacao-related products through the One Town One Product (OTOP) Philippines.
OTOP is a program for micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises, which opts to drive inclusive local economic growth in the country.
“Ito ay para magkaroon ng native products ang bawat area, kaya isa ito sa makakatulong sa ating mga entrepreneurs, katulad nito na malakas ‘yung cacao, makakatulong din ito sa mga negosyante natin,” Villar said.
He also shared during his speech on behalf of his mother, Sen. Cynthia Villar, about the status and development of the cacao industry.
“According to successful cacao growers, if protocols on cacao farming are followed, a hectare of 1,000 fully grown cacao trees yields 450,000 pesos in gross income annually, or three metric tons of seeds valued at 150 pesos per kilo,” he said.
Villar also highlighted that 81% of the total annual production of cacao in the country comes from Davao Region, based on the Philippine Statistic Authority, making Davao City as “The Chocolate Capital” and Davao Region as “Cacao Capital of the Philippines.”
He also said that one way to support cacao farmers is by giving them additional facilities to boost their growth and income.
The National Cacao Congress was held in SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang on Nov. 16-17.
