A total of 21 Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSA) Cooperators and technical staff from Davao City and the provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao de Oro, and Davao Oriental participated in the Cacao Productivity Enhancement Program (PEP) Training of Trainers (TOT), organized by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) under the Improving Smallholder Livelihoods Program through Inclusive Business Models (Cacao+) Project on May 13-17, 2024.
The TOT aimed to familiarize cacao farmers with the PEP training materials, including the trainer’s guide and farmer’s workbook, enabling them to roll out the training in their respective communities.
Ms. Madeline N. Gerzon, a GIZ consultant for the Cacao+ project, served as the main resource person, covering topics on adult learning theory, training methodologies, and facilitation strategies along with the PEP topics. In addition, Mr. Pedro V. Cruz, a cacao expert, provided lectures and hands-on activities on various cacao production topics such as pollination efficiency, clonal compatibility, clonal performance evaluation, nursery establishment and upkeep, nutrition and fertilization, rainfall and cropping patterns, integrated pest and disease management, and harvest and post-harvest processing.
Moreover, Mr. Carlos Penera, Technical Advisor, and Mr. Amiel Tristan Gonzales, Senior Advisor, both from the GIZ Cacao+ Project, presented the overview and objectives of the initiative.
Furthermore, ATI-RTC XI Center Director Alicia Rose D. Nebreja graced the event. She discussed the programs of ATI available for LSAs, announced the recent approval of a proposal from an LSA affected by a typhoon, and highlighted existing and upcoming programs of the Institute accessible through proposal submissions. CD Nebreja also expressed appreciation for the GIZ Cacao+ partnership.
The ongoing Cacao+ Project of GIZ in partnership with Kennemer Foods International and the Department of Agriculture, aims to increase the productivity of cacao, agricultural income, and economic self-sufficiency of smallholder cacao farmers in Mindanao.
The training was conducted in two batches at the Malagos Garden Resort and Java Competency Training Center, Inc. in Baguio District, Davao City. The first batch was for ATI-certified LSAs, and the second for cooperatives supported by the Philippine Rural Development Program.
