The Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) actively participated in the 2024 National Cacao Congress by setting up an information booth to highlight its mandate and programs aimed at empowering agri-fishery stakeholders. 

Organized by the Philippine Cacao Industry Association (PCIA), the activity brought together over 1,000 participants from various regions across the country, including cacao growers, researchers, processors, industry leaders, representatives from LGUs and chocolate enthusiasts. It was held at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City on June 30-31, 2024.

In a message of support delivered during the opening ceremonies, PCAF OIC Executive Director Julieta Opulencia congratulated the PCIA and expressed her agency’s commitment to providing effective policy development and coordination, monitoring, and training support to cacao stakeholders to address the needs of the industry. 

Also gracing the event were DA Undersecretary for Operations Roger Navarro, ATI National Director Remelyn Recoter, DA-AMAS Director Junibert De Sagun, DA Special Assistant to the Secretary for Export Development Philip Young.

The PCIA is a Civil Society Organization (CSO) accredited to co-implement DA programs and projects. As part of PCAF’s partnership agreement with the PCIA, PCAF sponsored the Congress and set up a booth with informative tarpaulins and handouts to educate visitors about its major functions.

With the theme “Marketing Philippine Cacao and Chocolates,” the event underscored the industry’s commitment to increasing production of premium cacao beans and creating world-class chocolate products to boost exports.

The National Cacao Congress featured plenary sessions on cutting-edge cacao farming methods, emerging market dynamics, and environmentally friendly practices. Complementing the informative sessions, a trade fair and exhibit showcased the diverse range of Philippine cacao products and chocolates. | BM