BANGUED, Abra (PIA) — The Provincial Government of Abra with the Regional Cacao Industry Development Council distributed multiple production equipment for cacao producers in the province.
The equipment include cacao roaster, grinder, and mini chainsaw that were funded under the Cacao Quality Enhancement Project.
Beneficiaries are the Banglolao Women Organization, Sallapadan Cacao Producers Association, Barangobong Farm, and Cristina B. Gonzales Memorial High School.
Acting Governor Atty. Russell Bragas, Regional Cacao Council Chairperson Eva Ritchelle Padua along with the member-agencies, and different provincial local governments of the Cordillera, led the distribution during the Regional Cacao Council Meeting in Bangued.
Padua shared that equipping Cordilleran cacao farmers with knowledge and proper equipment is one of the main goals of the council.
“Ang goal natin para sa cacao industry here in the Cordillera ay ma-equip natin ‘yong mga cacao farmers through the conduct of proper cacao farm maintenance to post-harvest processes,” she said.
Barangobong cacao producer Jose B. Santa Maria said is thankful for the equipment support, and he is positive that they will be able to upscale their cacao production.
“Adda met ti 1,000 nga kapuon ti cacao jay ayanmi, ket kadagitoy saan kami pay agi-market ta for family food consumption pay laeng for the mean time,” Santa Maria said.
[We have around 1,000 cacao plants, and for now, we are not yet selling our products in the market; it’s for family-food consumption only for the mean time]
“Agyamanak unay ti probinsya nga Abra ket ti region ta naikkan kami ti intervention. Adda met ti makinak ngem bassit, isu nga saanko pay kaya ti agproduce ti adu. So, hopefully 3 to 4 years from now, dummakel ti production level ko,” he added.
[I thank the provincial government and the regional council for the intervention that they provided us. I have my own personal machine but not enough to produce plenty. So, hopefully 3 to 4 years from now, my production level will increase]
Part of the meeting was a farm visit where the council held a farm demonstration and a hands-on experience with the cacao farmers of Abra. (JDP/CAGT-PIA CAR, Abra)
