The Central Bicol State University of Agriculture Cacao R&D Center, together with the Department of Agriculture, hosted the 2nd Cacao festival at CBSUA-Sipocot with the theme, “2nd Cacao Festival: Enhancing Collaboration and Economic Opportunity among Cacao farmers and Processors in Bicol Region” on November 9, 2023.
VP for Admin and Finance and OIC President, Atty. Dominador F. Faurillo, extended a gracious welcome to all attendees, setting the tone for an engaging discussion on the promising prospects within the realm of cacao farming. Dr. Ramona Isabel S. Ramirez, Vice President for Research and Innovation, further enriched the event with an inspiring message highlighting the potential for marketing local chocolates within the region—igniting enthusiasm among cacao enthusiasts. The director of Cacao Processing and Research Center, Mr. Allan D. Taupa, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the invaluable support and active participation of cacao growers and processors from different parts of the Bicol region.
The event highlighted the exhibit of cacao products and the stakeholders’ forum. Selected faculty shared the results of their studies to boost knowledge in cacao farming and marketing. Dr. Celerino B. Llesol talked about good agricultural practices, Ms. Julieta M. Casaul shared the process of chocolate making, while Prof. Ma. Teresa B. Lirag discussed price determination for local chocolates.
The insights shared by Mr. Sherwin Baja underscored the potential for transformative advancements in cacao production and shared knowledge gained from exploring the cacao farms in Indonesia. The collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, coupled with the adoption of innovative practices and technologies, promise a prosperous future for the cacao industry in the Bicol Region.
The event concluded after the raffle draw of cacao kits and farming tools, sponsored by CBSUA and DA. |𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘣𝘺 𝘔𝘳. 𝘔𝘩𝘦𝘭 𝘉𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦, 𝘙𝘚𝘋 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘧𝘧; 𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘔𝘳. 𝘉𝘳𝘺𝘢𝘯 𝘛𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘴, 𝘝𝘗𝘙𝘐 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘧𝘧
