BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya (August 20, 2024)—A Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) project aims to boost the cacao industry in Nueva Vizcaya.
DTI Region 2 Director Ma. Sofia Narag said Project RD Sofie, in partnership with Nueva Vizcaya Cacao Growers Association Inc. (NVCGAI), would bring many “Cacao-Loka” opportunities to the province’s cacao industry.
RD Sofie means Roving for the Development and Strengthening of Opportunities for Flourishing Industries and Enterprises of Nueva Vizcaya.
Narag said she met in an immersion visit with the members of the NVCGAI on August 7, in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, to deepen her understanding of the province’s unique landscape.
She said her visit sought to foster relationships with key officials and engage directly with micro, small and medium enterprises or MSMEs.
Narag and her team also visited the farm and the Cacao Processing Facility Upgrading Shared Service Facility (SSF) Project.
“We sat with the cacao processors and farmers led by association president Rusty Cabacungan to gather more information on their concerns and upcoming activities,” she said.
“Our discussion centered around the group’s need for quality seedlings and farm inputs, as well as their plans to conduct massive cacao planting activities, establish their nursery, and visit more barangays to advocate for the bright prospect of the industry,” Narag added.
The DTI Team and the NVCGAI also explored expanding the SSF Project to include a drying facility and packaging equipment for their Nutrichamp (Champorado) product to “enhance product quality and marketability.”
Narag assured the group that she would “communicate these needs with partner agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, to secure further interventions.”
She said the DTI and the NVCGAI collaboration is expected to provide opportunities for capacity-building sessions and training on cacao production, “enabling members to become mentors and share their knowledge with others.”
Meanwhile, DTI Provincial Director Michael Paggabao said the DTI Team and the NVCGAI meeting concluded with a symbolic cacao planting activity.
“This represents a pivotal step toward energizing and advancing the province’s cacao industry, ensuring that the ‘Hataw Cacao’ momentum for development continues to build and flourish,” Paggabao said. LEANDER C. DOMINGO