Catch-up meeting with former DTI-XI Regional Director and Davao Cacao Guru Mr. Edwin Banquerigo at Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) office in Dumaguete City.
NOCCI Engages with Davao Cacao Expert to Strengthen Industry Growth
The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) recently hosted a catch-up meeting with Mr. Edwin Banquerigo, former DTI-XI Regional Director and renowned Davao Cacao Guru, at the NOCCI office in Dumaguete City. The meeting served as a valuable exchange of insights on the latest developments, emerging market opportunities, and strategies to strengthen the cacao industry in Negros Oriental.
With the global demand for premium cacao products rising, the discussion focused on enhancing production quality, expanding market reach, and fostering business collaborations to position the province as a competitive player in the cacao industry.
Cacao Industry: A Key Growth Sector for Negros Oriental
Cacao farming has been identified as a high-potential industry in Negros Oriental due to its suitable climate, fertile soil, and increasing interest from farmers and agripreneurs. With the Philippine cacao sector gaining momentum, NOCCI recognizes the importance of leveraging expertise from industry leaders like Mr. Banquerigo to further boost the region’s cacao development.
During the meeting, discussions centered on:
✔ Improving cacao farm productivity and quality standards to meet global export requirements.
✔ Strengthening farmer education and training in best agricultural practices.
✔ Identifying key investment opportunities to enhance cacao processing and value-adding.
✔ Creating strategic partnerships between local farmers, businesses, and government agencies.
“Negros Oriental has great potential to become a significant cacao producer,” said Edwin Banquerigo. “By focusing on quality, sustainability, and market linkages, the province can establish itself as a key player in the industry.”
Leveraging Davao’s Success in Cacao Farming
Davao has long been regarded as the cacao capital of the Philippines, producing over 70% of the country’s cacao output. Learning from Davao’s experience, NOCCI explored ways to replicate its success by adopting effective farming techniques, post-harvest processing methods, and market-driven strategies.
Key takeaways from Davao’s cacao industry growth include:
🔹 Encouraging farm diversification – Combining cacao with intercrops to maximize land productivity.
🔹 Strengthening farmer cooperatives – Helping small-scale growers achieve economies of scale.
🔹 Ensuring quality through proper fermentation and drying techniques – Essential for producing premium-grade cacao.
🔹 Developing local and export markets – Expanding beyond traditional buyers to specialty chocolate makers and global consumers.
By implementing these strategies, Negros Oriental can enhance its cacao industry’s competitiveness while supporting sustainable agriculture and rural development.
NOCCI’s Role in Supporting the Cacao Industry
As a key business organization in Negros Oriental, NOCCI plays a vital role in promoting cacao industry development through:
🔹 Business Matching & Market Access – Connecting farmers with potential buyers, investors, and processing companies.
🔹 Advocacy & Policy Support – Engaging with government agencies to create favorable policies for cacao farmers.
🔹 Capacity-Building Programs – Organizing training sessions on sustainable farming, processing, and entrepreneurship.
🔹 Investment Promotion – Encouraging agribusiness investments to enhance the local cacao value chain.
According to NOCCI President Edward Du, the chamber remains committed to positioning Negros Oriental as a major cacao producer through collaboration, innovation, and industry partnerships.
“The growing interest in cacao farming presents a major economic opportunity for our province. Through strategic initiatives, we aim to create a thriving cacao industry that benefits both farmers and businesses,” Du stated.
Exploring Future Opportunities for Cacao Development
Following the meeting, NOCCI and Mr. Banquerigo outlined several key initiatives to advance the local cacao sector, including:
🔹 Scaling Up Cacao Production – Encouraging more farmers to engage in sustainable cacao farming.
🔹 Enhancing Post-Harvest Processing – Investing in proper fermentation and drying facilities to maintain quality.
🔹 Building Stronger Market Linkages – Establishing connections with chocolate manufacturers and global buyers.
🔹 Developing Cacao-Based Enterprises – Promoting value-added products such as artisan chocolates and cacao-based beverages.
With these initiatives, NOCCI envisions Negros Oriental as a competitive force in the Philippine cacao industry, capable of producing world-class cacao beans and products.
The catch-up meeting between NOCCI and cacao expert Edwin Banquerigo marks a significant step toward strengthening the cacao industry in Negros Oriental. By leveraging Davao’s successful strategies, fostering market-driven approaches, and empowering local farmers, the province is well-positioned to thrive in the global cacao market.
As NOCCI continues to champion agricultural innovation and business growth, its collaboration with industry leaders underscores the potential of cacao as a high-value commodity that can drive economic progress and sustainable livelihoods in the region.
