To ensure that senior citizens are not overlooked in agricultural initiatives and to provide them with alternative means of livelihood, the Agricultural Training Institute in MIMAROPA conducted a one-day “Seminar on Cacao Enterprise Development” at the Municipal Hall, Bayanan, Pola, Oriental Mindoro on March 14, 2024.
Center Director Pat Andrew B. Barientos graced the opening program of the activity. In his message, he emphasized the benefits and market opportunities available in cacao production and processing. Moreover, he provided information on how to avail themselves of government services for their startup capital to engage in the cacao industry.
Also present during the activity were Mr. Meynard Acalan, Municipal Administrator; Ms. Seliena L. Fabula, Acting Municipal Agriculturist; and Mr. Reymond Mendoza of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, signifying their support for the activity.
Throughout the seminar, Ms. Anita Pagcaliwagan, the Resource Speaker, provided the participants with an overview of the present state of the cacao industry in the Philippines. She also informed them about the different cacao varieties, highlighting the steps and processes involved in producing cacao-based products.
To encourage the participants to try cacao product processing, Ms. Pagcaliwagan demonstrated how to process tablea. Moreover, she showed them samples of other cacao products, such as cacao nibs and cocoa powder, explaining their potential for value addition.
Nakakakuha kami ng maraming kapaki-pakinabang na mga ideya na maaari naming gawing negosyo para makatulong sa mga senior citizens dito sa aming lugar, Kahit na kami ay matatanda na, patuloy pa rin kaming magiging produktibo sa pamamagitan ng mga alternatibong paraan ng pagkakakitaan tulad ng pagproseso ng mga produkto mula sa cacao,” Mr. Jaime L. Corella shared.
A total of 20 senior citizens attended the said activity.
