Davao City— Celebrating the milestone of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Cacao+ Project, the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) attended its Closing Ceremony on August 2, 2024 at Dusit Thani Hotel. With the theme "Padayon sa Kakaw: Pagpupugay, Pagpapasalamat, Pagpapatuloy," the event highlighted the project’s journey, acknowledged partner contributions, and shared valuable learnings and ways forward.
The ceremony brought together project partners of GIZ from both private and public sectors. Key attendees from DA-ATI included Director IV Engr. Remelyn R. Recoter, MNSA, CESO III, and ATI Center Directors in Mindanao: Alicia Rose D. Nebreja (Davao Region), Maria Lydia O. Echavez (Northern Mindanao), OIC Jessie V. Beldia (Caraga Region), and OIC Shirley L. Beldia (SOCCSKSARGEN).
In her official closing message, Director Recoter acknowledged the project's significant contributions over the past five years, particularly in empowering smallhold farmers, trainers, and stakeholders. She commended the project's steadfast implementation despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, she underscored the collective perseverance and strong collaboration between GIZ and Kennemer Foods International, which have been key to the project's success and lasting impact.
"The ATI's mission aligns perfectly with the goals of the Cacao+ Project, which is to empower smallhold farmers, enhance their productivity, ensure growth and sustainability, increase their profitability, and improve their livelihood," affirmed Director Recoter.
Furthermore, Director Recoter added that ATI is promoting digital agriculture among cacao farmers through its Digital Farmers Program, in collaboration with Smart Communications, PLDT, and Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) PH.
During the event, GIZ Philippines’ Chief Advisor for Development Partnerships with the Private Sector in Agriculture, Cornelia Skokov, awarded a plaque of appreciation to both ATI-Central Office and ATI-Regional Training Center XI.
Initiated in 2019, the Cacao+ Project has been pivotal in enabling smallhold farmers to access technical and managerial support through capacity development. It has also facilitated access to financial services, significantly increasing productivity and income for farmers.
As the Cacao+ Project concludes, DA-ATI remains committed to continuing its legacy. The knowledge products provided by GIZ will be valuable references for the Institute's ongoing cacao training programs, and the lessons and practices from this project will be integrated into ATI's support programs for cacao commodity.
