DA opens P11-M cacao facility
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said an P11-million cacao facility in Kadingilan, Bukidnon is now ready to serve farmers to boost their production.
The DA-Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) awarded the machinery to the Balaoro Farmers Association (BAFA).
Carlene Collado, DA-Region 10 (Northern Mindanao) officer in charge regional executive director, said the project is in support of the cacao processing and marketing subproject.
The cacao facility has one roasting machine, one crusher machine and one storing machine.
Collado added that the facility will encourage farmers to plant and produce more quality cacao beans, and boost the tablea and chocolate production in the province.
For her part, Carlota Madriaga, DARegion 10 regional technical director for operations, commended the association for opening employment opportunities, especially for women.
“It is heartwarming to see women producing tablea from their labor and earning a living for their families,” Madriaga said.
She challenged the farmers to further expand their market.
Kadingilan Mayor Jerry Agustin Canoy Jr. expressed confidence that BAFA’s cacao products will be available nationwide.
“We have reached this far through our hard work. Kadingilan is already known for our tablea, and we hope with this project, BAFA can make a mark in the Philippines,” Canoy said.
BAFA started with five members in 1993 and increased to 56 farmer members.
It has already linked to eligible buyers and markets around the country.
In his acceptance message, BAFA chairman Clemente Bañados vowed to prioritize the expansion of their association.
“I am grateful to the government for recognizing our potential and for including us on the priority list to receive government interventions. Let us continue to work harder to reach that goal,” Bañados said.
In 2021, the association received a processing center and a hauling truck from the DA-PRDP.