CEBU, Philippines — During her visit to Cebu on yesterday, Senator Pia Cayetano addressed the National Cacao Congress 2024 held at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Lahug, Cebu City, encouraging local cacao manufacturers to increase production and innovate new cacao-based products for the global market.
The Philippines' chocolates are already well-regarded internationally, and Senator Cayetano pledged funding support for well-managed proposals and research by state colleges and universities. Additionally, she urged entrepreneurs to explore product development beyond traditional chocolates using cacao.
The National Cacao Congress brought together cacao farmers, researchers, and industry experts from various parts of the country. Prior to attending the congress, Senator Cayetano distributed financial assistance to 300 residents in Minglanilla town, providing each recipient with P3,000.
This assistance was sourced from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation. —/LPM (FREEMAN)