A blessing and launching of the Shared Service Facility (SSF) for cacao processing in Brgy. Cogon in Panitan town was conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), June 20, to pave the way for extensive operations of the local cacao industry.
“This aims to provide technological upgrades for local processors and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province to increase their production capacity, product quality and market competitiveness,” said DTI provincial director Ken Queenie Cuñada.
The facility was named Capiz Chocolate Factory.
The SSF launching was graced by DTI regional director Rebecca Rascon, Governor Esteban Evan Contreras, Capiz Cacao Industry Association president Dr. Rose Marie Conlu and Provincial MSME Development Council chairperson Danny So Chan, among others.
Conlu said that a lot of cacao farmers will benefit from the SSF and employment opportunities also wait because the machineries or equipment’s full operation require people in the fermentation, drying
and sorting of cacao beans.
She also encouraged more farmers to plant cacao as the tropical tree crop can also be a source of wine, vinegar, juice, charcoal and other cacao beans by – products that can be used for beauty, health and wellness.
In 2018, the province has already about 34,000 cacao fruit bearing trees out of its estimated 124,000 planted cacao trees.JBG/AAL/PIA Capiz
