DAVAO CITY – In the pursuit of continuous capability enhancement, selected ATI technical personnel participated in the Training on Sustainable Cacao Production, organized by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Philippines through its Cacao + project, from February 12-16, 2024 at the Malagos Garden Resort, Davao City.

It brought together technical personnel who are directly involved in the promotion of the commodity through training and related activities from ATI-RTC XI, ATI-RTC XII, Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office XI, DA-Bureau of Plant Industry – Region XI, and Provincial Agriculture Office-Davao del Norte. Representing ATI-RTC 13 were. Local farmers' organizations also participated in the training with Mary Jane A. Gonzaga, DMO II/HVCDP Point Person, and Caerian B. Muga, DMO I, representing ATI-RTC 13.

The training sought to enhance public partners' technical knowledge and skills in sustainable cacao production and focused on the experiences of cacao farmers in Mindanao.

Mr. Pedro V. Cruz, a local cacao expert, served as the Resource Person. He imparted his knowledge and expertise in cacao production technologies such as nursery establishment, clonal compatibility, care, and maintenance of cacao. In addition, he covered topics on nutrient management, harvesting, postharvest, fermentation, drying, and bean grading.

The trainees engaged in practical activities that provided a clearer understanding of the principles of cacao management. It highlighted proper grafting procedures, hand pollination, planting, pruning, and bean grading.

The trainees are expected to transfer their acquired knowledge and skills to agricultural extension workers and farmer leaders to support the government’s development efforts towards cacao sustainability in the region (with the report of MJAGonzaga).