South Cotabato, Philippines – Cacao farmers from Barangay Lusok in Tboli, South Cotabato, are now better equipped to improve their yields and product quality after undergoing a training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in cacao production under the Philippine Rural Development Plan held on November 12, 2025.
Through the training, farmers gained practical insights on how to maintain soil health, manage pests effectively, and ensure high-quality bean production that meets market standards.
“This training helped us understand how to care for our cacao trees better and increase our income in the long run,” said one farmer-participant, expressing appreciation for the provincial government’s continuous support to the farming community.
Kenelyn Ariño, Project Development Officer II, said South Cotabato continues to strengthen its cacao industry as part of its goal to diversify agricultural opportunities in the province.
“ With growing local and international demand for cacao, the province is investing in training programs and enterprise development projects to empower farmers and make South Cotabato a competitive cacao-producing area in Region XII,” Ariño said.
Cacao has become one of the emerging high-value crops contributing to South Cotabato’s agricultural and economic growth.
“The industry supports hundreds of smallholder farmers and provides new livelihood opportunities in upland communities such as T’boli, Tupi, Koronadal, Tampakan and Lake Sebu,” she stressed.
Under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), a ₱17.9 million enterprise sub-project titled “Integrated Cacao Production, Processing and Marketing of Fermented Cacao Beans” was turned over in March 2021.
It covers 150 hectares and involves 199 farmer-beneficiaries in the province.
With its favorable climate and fertile soil, the province is positioning itself as a key player in the regional cacao value chain—boosting rural income, encouraging agribusiness investments, and strengthening South Cotabato’s reputation as a hub for quality agricultural production in Mindanao.
Spearheaded by the Office of the Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator (OPPDC) in partnership with the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) and the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office XII (DA-RFO XII), the training aimed to enhance farmers’ knowledge on sustainable cacao production, proper crop management, and post-harvest processing.
