STATE-RUN Clark Development Corporation (CDC) recently held a livelihood workshop for cacao farmers from its neighbor communities.

At least 25 cacao farmers from Bamban, Tarlac joined the cacao processing and packaging at the Clark Skills and Training Center.

The livelihood workshop was organized by the CDC-Corporate Social Responsibility and Placement Division (CSRPD).

JCG Marketing Group Inc., Technical Sales Representative and Godel Chocolate Trainor Al Quin Santillan with Cacao farmer and Trainor Angelito Manuel facilitated the workshop for the attendees.

Meanwhile, Malagos Agri-ventures Corporation cacao farmer and chocolate maker Rex Victor Puentespina served as a guest speaker and shared his knowledge and expertise on cacao production.

During the event, CDC Chief-of-Staff for the Office of the President Dennis Legaspi conveyed CDC President and Chief Executive Officer Manuel Gaerlan’s message to the participants.

“This training, for example, is an integral part of an overall chocolate master plan which is seen to bring benefits to small farmers by giving them the opportunity to participate in Clark’s economic activities,” he said.

Department of Agriculture (DA) in Central Luzon Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division Chief Fernando Lorenzo, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Aurora OIC Provincial Director Aldrin Veneracion, and Department of Agriculture (DA) Technical Staff for High-Value Commercial Crops Development Program Rosalee Leander, representatives from local government units (LGUs), and other government agencies joined virtually to witness the training.

Recently, a total of 1854 kilograms of dry cacao beans were produced in various areas of Bamban for the first quarter alone.

The Municipal Agriculture Office of Bamban, Tarlac thanked CDC for its continuous support to their local farmers.