Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 6 Director Rebecca Rascon and Capiz Gov. Esteban Evan Contreras II led the inauguration of the Capiz Chocolate Factory in Panit-an.
Rascon said the Capiz Chocolate Factory is a shared service facility (SSF).
“This SSF project aims to provide technological upgrades for local processors and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province to increase their production capacity, product quality, and market competitiveness,” said DTI Capiz Provincial Director Queenie Cunada.
Aside from the factory, the DTI also provided P2.9 million in machinery for industrial operations.
The project is a multi-government effort. Aside from the DTI, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the provincial government of Capiz had counterpart funding for the construction of the building.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) provided technical support.
Dr. Rose Marie Conlu, president of the Capiz Cacao Industry Association, said the multi-government assistance will boost cacao farming in the province.