Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban met with the members of the Philippine Cacao Industry and Consul General Armi Lopez Garcia on December 14, 2022 to discuss short- and long-term plans that will boost production and enhance profitability of the cacao sector.
During the meeting, the group presented recommendations that seek to enhance the cacao value chain. These include a proposal for the establishment of trading posts, conduct of a cacao festival and congress, and mainstreaming cacao by-products.
The group also implored the assistance of various agencies of the Department of Agriculture to upgrade the quality and quantity of cacao beans. They also expressed their desire to meet the standards set by the International Cocoa Organization. ### (photos by Alan Jay Jacalan, DA-AFID)
