The cacao goodness never ends as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 2 and the Nueva Vizcaya Cacao Growers Association Inc. sealed their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement on 18 November 2021, for the establishment of a new Shared Service Facility (SSF) Project entitled “Cacao Processing Facility Upgrading Project” at Macabbad’s Orchidarium Cacao and Coffee Farm, Busilac, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya.

This SSF Project which is worth P600,000 aims to provide technological upgrades and innovation for local processors/MSMEs in Nueva Vizcaya, which will help in increasing their production capacity, product quality and market competitiveness will contribute greatly to the country’s economy. The target of the project is to assist at least 50 new micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) aside from the project beneficiaries.

Moreover, the project will also unlock opportunities for the local job generation in the community and generate additional income for local cacao farmers in the province. This event was spearheaded by DTI R2 Regional Director (RD) Leah Pulido Ocampo, DTI R2 Assistant Regional Director Ruben B. Diciano, NV Cacao Growers Association Inc.

President Emmanuel Tiam, Barangay Captain Manuel Dan Gines of Busilac, Bayombong, DTI Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Director Henry O. Conel, Jr., along with the other members, officials and staff from the NV Cacao Growers Association Inc. and DTI Region 2.

Aside from the MOA-signing activity, another highlight of the event was the Cacao and Coffee Forum. The members of the said association who were mostly senior citizens and retired professionals expressed their gratitude to the agency for the continuous support and assistance provided to promote Nueva Vizcaya’s Cacao Industry from beans to bliss.

Release Date: 23 November 2021