Cacao stakeholders and regional line agencies huddle to discuss the 2021 strategic innovations to develop a competitive cacao industry in Cagayan Valley Region.

“Adopt Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to increase sustainability and productivity of cacao,” underscored Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Director Leah Ocampo when she encouraged participants in adopting GAP for traceability requirements especially when Region 2’s cacao products will be brought to the national and global scene.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (DA) would focus on improving production through fertilization.

The Isabela State University and Cagayan State University also presented their innovative Research and Development output on cacao production and value-adding. Moreover, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) enjoined the local stakeholders to adopt the innovative technology through their SET-UP program.

In attendance to discuss their support, PPAs were DOST-Cagayan Provincial Director Slyvia Lacambra, DA ATI- RTC02 Head Imelda Guillermo, Cagayan State University (CSU)-Lasam Dean, College of Industrial Technology Bernard Madarang, Isabela State University (ISU)-Echague Center Director of Cagayan Valley Cacao Development Center, Dr. Myleen Corpuz, DTI-Region 2 Cacao Focal Person Romeo Panopio and DA-RF02. Also present were Hon. Mayor Nieverose C. Meneses of Nagtipunan, Quirino and Hon. Mayor Jerry Agsalda of Aglipay, Quirino, P/Local Government Unit representatives, Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the academe.♦

Date of Release: 16 March 2021