The P11 million worth of cacao processing facilities were turned over to two cooperatives in Zamboanga del Norte last June 16 & 17, 2022.

These facilities include 2 multi-purpose buildings, 2 fermentation houses and 3 solar dryers which comprise the infrastructure component of the “Cacao Primary Processing and Trading” subproject of Sindangan FACOMA Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Sindangan FACOMA), who is the lead proponent group with cluster members Piñan Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PIMPCO) and People’s Officials, Employees and Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative (POEMCO).  according to Assistant Provincial Agriculturist/Business Plan Preparation Team Leader Armie A. Bergado of Zamboanga del Norte’s Provincial Project Management and Implementation Unit (PPMIU).  According to Assistant Provincial Agriculturist/Business Plan Preparation Team Leader Armie A. Bergado of Zamboanga del Norte’s Provincial Project Management and Implementation Unit (PPMIU), the enterprise subproject is an offshoot of the first enterprise development subproject from DA-PRDP availed in 2018 by the same three coops which primarily focused on cacao production. “The goal was to produce good quality cacao beans by establishing fermentation and solar dryer facilities,” Bergado said.

Cacao beans fermentation facility

Prior to the interventions from DA-PRDP, Sindangan FACOMA along with POEMCO and PIMPCO already had cacao plantations but on a small scale.  With DA-PRDP’s support, the 3 coops were able to expand their production area to 250 hectares from 2018 up to 2022.

Zamboanga del Norte PPMIU Head Jose Alfonso Bernad said that the cacao processing facilities can cater to the needs of cacao farmers in Zamboanga del Norte in terms of trading and fermentation. “The Department of Agriculture is looking for established associations and cooperatives that can bring forward real growth, real economic development not only amongst its members but also in the entire community and province,” Bernad said. “Sindangan FACOMA can cater to cacao farmers in District 2 while PIMPCO can cater to farmers in District 1.”

Cacao Solar Dryer facility

IREAP Component Head Marissa Mohammad lauded the PPMIU of Zamboanga del Norte and the proponent groups for their perseverance and determination in implementing the second phase of their DA-PRDP availed subproject in less than six months.  “The project provided these facilities in order to have an increased production of good quality fermented cacao and enhance the competitiveness and expand market access for cacao beans,” she said. All three cooperatives already produce their own tableya with Sindangan FACOMA’s Tableya Royale and PIMPCO’s Pinyan Tablea being introduced at the recent AgriVenta3 at KCC, Zamboanga City which was facilitated by DA9’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) which is also headed by Mohammad.  She encouraged the proponent groups to apply for an “FDA seal” for a vast promotion even abroad. She assured that the demand for cacao or chocolate is limitless worldwide.

Mohammad added that DA 9 Regional Project Director Rad Donn L. Cedeño had already instructed her to access more funds under the Enhanced Kadiwa to help the Farmers’ Cooperatives Associations (FCAs).

Leonardo Caparida, chairperson of the Regional Agri-Fishery Council (RAFC) attended the two turnover and acceptance ceremonies as a member of the Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB). He expressed his elation to have witnessed the fruition of their endorsed subproject for DA-PRDP funding. Caparida asked the proponent groups to submit to his office the issues and concerns encountered during the operation of the processing plant to include training needs and plans for the improvement of their products so they can facilitate and help access trainers from DA Central Office. (Remai S. Alejado | RPCO 9)