WHILE the contribution of Cagayan Valley (Region 2) to the cacao industry in the Philippines is still small, the Regional Cacao Council (RCC) based in Tuguegarao City is proud that the region’s cacao products have a unique taste and aroma compared to those of other regions. “Our goal in conducting the workshop is to unite together all cacao growers in order to strengthen the cacao industry in the Cagayan Valley region by developing different strategies in cacao farming,” he said. Cagayan Valley comprises the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino and Batanes island. Olinares said it is time for Cagayan Valley to make its cacao industry globally competitive. Cacao growers in the region have been producing cacao balls, tableya and powder, and are hoping to make in the future quality chocolates comparable to those imported.

Source: Manila Times December 14, 2017 17:26 UTC