Clark Development Corporation (CDC), a member of Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Group, has trained cacao farmers from communities near the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone as part of the agency's continuous corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs.
In a statement, CDC said as many as 25 cacao farmers from communities near the Freeport recently completed the agency's livelihood workshop on cacao processing and packaging held at the Clark Skills and Training Center.
According to CDC, 15 farmers physically attended the said event, while ten others from the Municipality of Bamban, Tarlac joined virtually. The said activity was organized by CDC-Corporate Social Responsibility and Placement Division (CSRPD).
CDC said JCG Marketing Group Inc. Technical Sales Representative and Godel Chocolate Trainor Al Quin Santillan and 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 C. Legaspi conveyed CDC President and CEO Manuel R. Gaerlan’s message to the participants.
“This training 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.
A total of 1854 kilograms of dry cacao beans were produced in various areas of Bamban in the first quarter of this year.