The three-day training on Cacao Farming, held from May 1-3, 2024, in Tantangan, South Cotabato, offered an in-depth exploration of cacao crop management and farm maintenance. The program kicked off with Resource Speaker Mark M. Agluba from DA-AMRES, who provided valuable insights into cacao crop establishment and essential farm maintenance practices. His session laid a solid foundation for the participants, covering key techniques and strategies for successful cacao cultivation.
Following Agluba’s session, Vonbeth S. Seguiza, also from DA-AMRES, addressed cacao pests and diseases. Seguiza's presentation focused on identifying the causes of common cacao illnesses and offered practical solutions to combat these issues, equipping participants with the knowledge to protect and sustain their cacao farms effectively.
The training continued with a dynamic exchange of ideas and experiences among participants. On the second day, Sir Bonifacio V. Pales, owner of LSA, took the stage to discuss critical aspects of cacao farming, including proper harvesting techniques, pod breaking, and the fermentation process. Pales also highlighted the differences between cocoa and cacao, enriching the participants' understanding of post-harvest practices and their impact on cacao quality.
The final day featured an Expository Tour to Pales Farm in Tampakan, South Cotabato, the first Coconut-based Learning Site for Agriculture I under the CFIDP. At the farm, Sir Bonifacio Pales personally demonstrated correct pruning techniques and shared his expertise on establishing a cacao farm. This hands-on experience provided participants with practical insights and inspiration to implement the skills they acquired throughout the training.