COUNCILOR Al Ryan Alejandre backed calls of private organizations proposing a local ordinance to further promote the cacao industry in the city.
“It could be a good development that it has its own funds. I really agree that there has to be a budget to really boost the growers,” Alejandre, the committee chair on tourism and beautification, said during the Aprubado sa Konseho on Tuesday.
He recognized the lack of a specific ordinance providing for the funds, so the initiative would have to come from the City Agriculturist Office (CAgrO).
“The department head of the city agri should seek an increase in fund allocation during the budget hearing, to be included in the yearly calendar,” Alejandre said.
Alejandre said the ordinance will be included in the Executive Legislative Agenda as part of the priority implementation for the next three years. The 20th City Council ends its term on June 30, 2025.
Wit Holganza, Davao City Cacao Council chairperson, earlier raised the need to institutionalize the industry so that the city can keep the title as the country’s chocolate capital.
The Republic Act 11547, signed by former president Rodrigo Duterte in 2021, declared Davao City the chocolate capital and Davao Region the cacao capital of the country.
Holganza said the Cagro has a budget allocated for cacao, but it is not enough to sustain as the office prioritizes other commodities. She noted that challenges in funding will not be resolved if there is no local ordinance to support it.
