BUTUAN CITY – Twenty-six (26) cacao farmers, recipients of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) cacao nursery assistance under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), received their certificate of completion on the Training on Cacao Nursery Establishment and Management held on September 10–12, 2025 at Golden Tara Hall, Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII, Los Angeles, Butuan City.

 The three-day training provided participants with essential knowledge and skills in establishing and managing cacao nurseries to ensure the production of quality planting materials for the growing cacao industry in Caraga.

During the opening program, Mr. Christopher H. Lindo, RAFC Chairperson and Chairman of the Cacao Industry Council in the region, urged participants to take their role as CFIDP recipients seriously, stressing that cacao nursery operations are both a responsibility and a business opportunity. He also assured farmers of market availability for cacao seedlings and beans, highlighting the potential for increased income opportunities.

The sessions were facilitated by the resource persons from different agencies who are: Ms. Mitch A. Betito of PCA Region 13 presented the CFIDP overview; Ms. Leojean Evangelista of DA-RFO 13 discussed the cacao industry situationer; Mr. Belie Alegado of BPI-NSQCS explained mother trees, nursery accreditation, and certification; and Ms. Mary Jane A. Gonzaga of ATI Caraga emphasized the materials needed for nursery establishment, proper seedling management, and the importance of grafting as a propagation technique.

Further, participants were engaged in a hands-on practicum at the Butuan City Nursery in Pigdaulan, where they practiced soil media preparation, bagging, seed extraction, and grafting.