Backyard gardening has long been part of student life, especially in schools with adequate open spaces.

At the Dagupan City National High School, the usual gardening activity leveled up to cacao planting as part of its community-building activities.

Some 50 teaching and non-teaching personnel joined students of the DCNHS in its second cacao planting activity which was recently held at the school’s  PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) garden.

“In all the school divisions I have been in, I always emphasize the importance of agriculture and instill in students the joy of planting, whether it is trees or vegetables,” Dagupan City Schools Division Superintendent Rowena Banzon said.

What inspires Banzon to plant cacao is not only its beans, which are used in the manufacture of chocolates, but also the knowledge she gained that it is a ‘tree of life.’

Cacao planting offers numerous benefits including:

• Rich in antioxidants

Banzon said researchers have proven that cacao is a seed that has the most antioxidants and can reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

According to the National Health Institute (NHI), cacao is rich in bioactive compounds like ‘catechins and procyanidins,’ known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, potentially reducing the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.

Also, consumption of cacao can potentially reduce blood pressure, decrease the risk of heart disease, improve cholesterol profile and blood sugar balance, support gut bacteria, improve cognitive function, and be easy to incorporate into the diet.

• Cosmetic Product

Banzon said that cacao could serve as a sunscreen.

According to NHI, cocoa pods – the processed form of cacao beans – show promising potential as a cosmetic ingredient, providing anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and sunscreen properties.

The cacao tree, delicate and sensitive, relies on taller trees for wind protection and thrives in shaded environments, yet it significantly contributes to the environment.

• Environmental Impact

Cacao trees contribute to biodiversity and sustainable agriculture, benefiting the ecosystem.

“Planting cacao, along with other plants, serves as an excellent practice, not just for beautifying our school and environment, but more significantly, it also plays a crucial role in mitigating pollution and addressing the challenges of climate change that we are currently facing,” DCNHS Principal Willy Guieb said.

Indisputable truth: cacao trees, even if they are small, produce oxygen that humans need.

• Income Generation

In an interview, DCNHS Senior High School Assistant Principal Virginia Dela Rosa said one of their plans for cacao planting includes producing cacao-based products for sale within and outside the school premises, aiming to establish a sustainable income-generating project.

“We aspire for cacao to gain popularity, particularly here in SDO Dagupan City, with the hope that other schools in the area will initiate cacao planting,” she said.

“We envision future generations reaping the rewards of our efforts, indulging in delicious fruits while potentially establishing cacao as a significant income-generating product,” she added.

Meanwhile, Guieb said that nearly 150 cacao seedlings have been planted in DCNHS since last year, urging their learners to engage in tree-planting activities to foster environmental stewardship and sustainable practices for the future.

Furthermore, the Department of Agriculture highlights cacao’s potential to significantly reduce poverty and promote inclusive growth through livelihood and employment opportunities since starting a cacao production business requires minimal financial investment.

The cacao planting initiatives in school settings serve as more than just agricultural activities.

Students not only contribute to biodiversity conservation but also develop essential skills and values that will benefit them and their communities for years to come. (JCR/AMB/MJTAB/JCDR/MARNP/PIA Pangasinan)