REGIONWIDE. Chocolate is a delicious treat that brings joy to many. Its rich and indulgent flavor is hard to resist. Whether you enjoy it as a snack or use it in your baking, chocolate is a wonderful way to lift your mood and satisfy your sweet tooth.
The Philippines has a small but growing chocolate industry, with some companies producing high-quality, single-origin chocolate using locally-sourced cacao beans. However, the industry still faces challenges such as the limited supply of cacao beans, lack of infrastructure, and competition from imported chocolates. Efforts are being made to address these issues and promote the growth of the Philippine chocolate industry.
In this regard, the DA-Agricultural Training Institute in Central Visayas (ATI-7) conducted the training entitled “From Bean to Bar: Training of Trainers on Cacao and Coffee Post-Harvest Handling and Processing” held at the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center VII, Training Complex, Cabawan District, Tagbilaran City, Bohol on March 13-17, 2023.
The three-day activity aimed to capacitate/enhance the knowledge, attitude and skills of our Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs)/High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) Technicians on cacao and coffee postharvest handling and processing. In addition, (1) Discussed the Situationer of the Philippine Cacao and Coffee Industry; (2) Elaborated on the postharvest operations and processing of cacao and coffee beans; and (3) Crafted a doable re-entry plan.
“As a first-timer on cacao and coffee training, I don’t have any background or idea of it. But during the training I am very impressed, especially when we had site visitation/actual demo. Mas nindot gyod nga naay actual vs. lecture in order to experience and understand the main point. So that we will become a good trainer after we go to our respective municipalities. Nga among mapaambit ang among kahibalo ngadto sa among mga farmers,” shared Carlo C. Naveo, Agricultural Extension Worker (AEW) from Carcar, Cebu.
Mr. John Dennis R. Ranario, Agriculturist II from LGU DA-Regional Field Office VII, discussed the Situationer of Philippine Cacao Industry and the Situationer of the Philippine Coffee Industry.
While, Mr. Noel Vecina Tinambacan, Manager from Bohol Chocolate Farm, talked about the Harvesting and Post-Harvest Operations of Cacao.
On another hand, Mr. John Eric G. Sese, Manager and Farm Owner from Joji's Coffee Farm expounded on Harvest and Post-Harvest Operations and Processing of Coffee.
A total of 20 participants from across the region attended the activity.
