Under the Coconut Farmers Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) of the Department of Agriculture, 25 farmer members of the Anacletos Agricultural Association, Inc. in Dasol, Pangasinan, have been provided with 12,821 cacao seedlings worth Php897,470.

The initiative, which is part of the Coconut-based Coffee and Cacao Enterprise Development Program (C3EDP), aims to support smallholder coconut farmers and maximize the utilization of coconut lands.

Mr. David John Rondal, the CFIDP focal person in Region 1, highlighted the potential for increased income through this initiative. “Aside from the fact that we are increasing your income from coconut, we are also providing you additional source of income through the intercropping of coffee and cacao”.

He also emphasized the assured market demand for cacao and coffee products, particularly in Region 1.

“Sigurado ang malaking income ninyo kung aalagaan ninyo ang mga ito [dahil] sigurado ang market ninyo. Sa region 1 palang ang laki na ng demand. Yung ating mga processor dito ay bumibili pa sa Davao at Divisoria” he added.

To ensure production for the success of the program, the High-Value Crops Development Program will conduct training sessions on cacao recipients.

The ceremonial planting took place on January 12 at the Pangasinan Provincial Agriculture Office, with Mr. Dominador Santos, Jr. representing the Philippine Coconut Authority, Ms. Marjorie Ednacot of the PPAO and Ms. Conchita Pobletin, HVCDP coordinator of LGU Dasol.