PCIC and PCIA rally stakeholders in Luzon consultation to address production gaps and scale up value-added cacao products
The Philippine cacao industry is set for a renewed push toward growth and competitiveness as key stakeholders convene to strengthen coordination and align long-term development efforts across Luzon.
The Philippine Cacao Industry Council (PCIC) and the Philippine Cacao Industry Association (PCIA) led a Luzon-wide consultation on the cacao development roadmap held at the KDF Farm Training Center in Bacolor, Pampanga, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 3 and the Kapampangan Development Foundation, Inc.
The consultation gathered around 150 participants from government agencies, industry groups, and development institutions, reflecting broad support for advancing the country’s cacao sector.
According to organizers, the activity aims to reinforce coordination among stakeholders and sustain momentum for the national Cacao Development Program, particularly as the industry transitions toward a new five-year roadmap covering 2026 to 2030. The updated plan emphasizes convergence among farmers, processors, and government partners to improve productivity and global competitiveness.
Officials highlighted the growing importance of Luzon in cacao production, with areas such as Quezon province emerging as key hubs in Calabarzon through expanding farm initiatives. Other regions, including Aurora and parts of the Cordillera, are also strengthening production through climate-resilient farming programs and institutional support.
While demand for cacao-based products such as tablea remains strong locally, stakeholders noted continuing challenges, including low farm productivity and gaps in post-harvest handling skills. Efforts are being directed toward improving these areas to support value addition and long-term industry growth.
Overall, the consultation underscores a coordinated push to develop a more unified, resilient, and competitive cacao industry in the Philippines, anchored on collaboration between government agencies, private sector players, and farming communities.
