Go backs developmentof cacao industry

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bong Go has expressed support for two Senate proposals seeking to enhance the productivity of the Philippine cacao industry.

During a hearing of the Senate committee on agriculture, food and agrarian reform yesterday, Go urged industry leaders to take advantage of the rising global demand for cacao, which will top off at five million tons this year.

The country produces an average of 15,000 tons of cacao annually. However, it also consumes more than triple the amount at 50,000 tons of cacao per year.

Go highlighted the industry’s potential to generate jobs, particularly in rural areas where employment opportunities are scarce.

He lauded Senate Bill 1741 filed by Sen. Cynthia Villar, which seeks to declare Davao City as the cacao capital of the Philippines.

The city produced 2,289 tons of cacao in 2019, accounting for nearly a quarter of the country’s total production of 8,488.60 tons.

Davao Region’s combined produce accounted for 78.96 percent of the country’s total production.

“As a Davaoeño, I am very proud that under your proposed measure, Davao City will be declared as the cacao and chocolate capital of the Philippines. That is due to the efforts of our cacao farmers,” Go said.

He said chocolate-producing countries such as the US and Japan as well as Europe prefer the Philippine cacao beans.

Go lauded Senate Bill 899 filed by Sen. Lito Lapid, seeking to create a cacao research and development center in the country.

If created, the center would educate and train local farmers as well as strengthen ties with global groups and other cacao-development centers.

Go is hoping that the proposed measures would raise the quality of life of the local cacao farmers and hasten the development of the industry.

He urged the governmemt to take advantage of the rising global demand and make the country one of the top players in the international market.