THE Top 10 best cacao beans from Davao Region have a huge chance to win awards at the nationwide Philippine Cacao Quality Awards (PCQA) 2022, said cacao industry leader Dante Muyco.
Muyco, chairperson of the Davao Regional Cacao Industry Development Council, told SunStar Davao on Tuesday that the cacao beans they have selected were top-notch and each had distinct characteristics that add uniqueness to its flavor profile and quality.
“Definitely, may winning chance tayo kasi ang level ng post-harvest and processing dito sa Davao, medyo advanced na (we have a winning chance because our level of post-harvest and processing here in Davao is advanced) and people are more aware what are good quality beans,” Muyco said in an interview.
He added that cacao beans from Davao Region have an edge when it comes to farming since Mindanao and Davao region in particular have the best climate for cacao farming, making it a prime spot for cacao.
“The flavor is developed not only through the post-harvest and fermentation, but also the natural characteristics of the cacao. Kung mas maganda ang nutrition sa soil, then may possibility na maganda rin ang flavor ng cacao (If soil nutrition is better then there is a possibility that the flavor of the cacao is better too),” Muyco said.
The Top 10 best cacao beans were selected on October 12 - 13 from a total of 36 entries from different provinces in the Davao Region. The winning entries were from Davao City, Davao del Norte, and Davao Oriental.
In Davao City, the winners are Joebert Celis from Brgy. Catalunan Pequeño, Melinda Villaflor from Brgy. Callawa, Joel Lorenzana from Brgy. Paquibato, David Delaserna from Brgy. Tacunan, Judith Gabasa and Policarpo Enricoso jr. from Brgy. Saloy, and Evelyn Vincentino from Brgy. Talandang.
Also included are Sergio Dandasan and Paz Sumaaylo from Brgy. Katipunan in Panabo City, Davao del Norte, and Ruben Idea from Davao Oriental.
Muyco said the winners were mostly small-time cacao farmers that worked using the best farming techniques to develop the quality of their beans. The selected top 10 cacao beans are all equal without individual ranking.
“Marami sa mga sumali mga bagong sibol na farms (A lot of the entries were new farms). During the pandemic, hindi natin nagawa ang regional awards. Nag national tayo kaagad during the pandemic (we were not able to conduct the regional awards and we went straight to the national competition). This time, all of the regions, provinces, and provincial councils from all around Davao REgion submitted their entries,” he said.
Muyco added that the cacao beans were submitted to blind testing wherein the beans were judged based on their flavor profiling, bean cut testing, and sensory evaluation.
“Being in the Top 10 out of the 36 entries is something you can be proud of. It is really because of the commitment to producing quality beans and I think that’s what is important for the industry - the commitment of the farmers to produce good quality cacao beans,” Muyco said.
The competing cacao beans at the Philippine Cacao Quality Awards 2022 will be announced during this year’s National Cacao Congress on November 24 to 25 at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City. ICM