Philippines’ chocolate capital needs a boost

In 2021, the City of Davao in Mindanao was declared the Chocolate Capital of the Philippines and the entire Region XI (Davao Region) as the Cacao Capital of the Philippines, by virtue of Republic Act 11547 signed by former president Rodrigo Duterte.

Davao has close to 8,000 cacao farmers and over 5,000 hectares of cacao production, accounting for up to 85% of the country’s cacao bean production. Simply put, it is a key engine powering the local economy.

In recent news, the Davao City Cacao Council has been advocating for a ordinance to secure funding and boost the promotion of the local cacao industry. This will help push for regulatory policies and help cacao farmers who are facing both financial and production challenges, and in their technical capacities and competencies. 

Chairperson Wit Holganza pointed out that four years after the Republic Act 11547 law was passed, there is still no local ordinance aligning with it. This gap underscores the need to institutionalize the Davao City Cacao Council to secure budget appropriations. The 10-year-old council is a partner of the City Agriculturist Office (CAgrO), but Ms Holganza said this is not enough as CAgrO cannot prioritize cacao industry over other commodities.

The proposed ordinance also calls for institutionalizing the Kasadya sa Kulturang Kakaw as a flagship event of cacao, chocolate stakeholders ng city. Kasadya sa Kulturang Kakaw, which in English means a joyous celebration of cacao culture, is a month-long celebration featuring activities that showcase Davo's cacao industry. This year it will be held from June 5 to 27.