Cacao farmers and industry advocates in Davao City are pushing for a city ordinance to institutionalize Republic Act No. 11547, which declares Davao City as the “Chocolate Capital of the Philippines” and the Davao Region as the “Cacao Capital of the Philippines.” This move aims to strengthen support for cacao production amid declining output and mounting challenges. During a press conference, Davao City Cacao Council (DCCC) chairperson Wit Holganza emphasized the need to integrate national policy into local governance to ensure continuity, budget allocation, and development programming for cacao growers. She highlighted challenges such as high fertilizer prices, farmers’ technical competencies, and capacity-building needs, which have led to a 30-50% drop in cacao production in Davao City, though exact figures are unavailable. Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority shows cacao production in the Davao Region slightly decreased to 8,024.02 metric tons in 2023 from 8,031.97 MT in 2022. Holganza attributed the decline to climate change, rising input costs, and decreasing soil health. The DCCC, formed as a collegial body under the City Agriculturist’s Office (CAO), aims to become an independent office with a separate budget for cacao industry growth, as the CAO handles multiple commodities. The DCCC plans to launch the Kasadya sa Kulturang Kakaw (Cacao Culture Festival) as an annual event, currently part of Duaw Dabaw, the city’s June festival. The ordinance is being drafted and will be introduced to the incoming 21st city council. (Ian Carl Espinosa/MindaNews)
