GUINOBATAN, Albay— To improve the quality of their produce, cacao farmers in this town participated in a comprehensive training program on post-harvest management and processing practices held in Barangay Batbat, Guinobatan.
Nineteen members of the Samahan ng Magsasaka Tungo sa Kaunlaran (SMTK) underwent training on current good manufacturing practices for cacao processing, facilitated by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Albay.
This initiative is part of the Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) Sustainable Livelihood Support for Disaster-Affected Areas (SLSDAA) project, aimed at introducing proper cacao bean processing techniques.
DAR Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Maria Eugenia M. Alteza emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration in supporting agrarian reform beneficiaries, particularly those impacted by recent calamities such as Typhoon Carina, which severely affected the Bicol region.
“The DAR provides essential support to those who have experienced the devastating effects of Typhoon Carina by offering them training programs like this one, ensuring the sustainability of their livelihoods in affected areas,” said Alteza.
Science Research Specialists Jerdan Geocado and Fae B. Banda led the sessions, offering valuable insights into food safety and quality product development.
The training is expected to uplift the cacao industry in the province, empowering the farmers to produce higher-quality cacao products.
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