Bohol — The municipality of Catigbian is set to become a powerhouse in the provincial cacao industry following a landmark partnership with the Bohol Chocolate Farm. Announced on July 8, 2026, during World Chocolate Day celebrations, the initiative will see the local government utilize 200 hectares of land for large-scale cacao plantations. This ambitious project aims to transform idle rural land into highly productive farms, creating a sustainable income source for local growers while solidifying Bohol’s reputation as a premium producer of high-quality, single-origin Philippine chocolate.
A Roadmap for Sustainable Livelihood
The partnership is designed to address the primary barriers that often hinder smallholder farmers: market uncertainty and lack of technical support. Under the agreement, Bohol Chocolate Farm—the first cacao nursery in the province accredited by the Department of Agriculture—will provide the necessary planting materials, expert technical guidance, and farm management support. By enrolling in the farm's "partner-grower" program, local farmers in Catigbian are granted a guaranteed buyer for their harvested beans, effectively insulating them from price volatility. This structured approach ensures that the 200-hectare plantation is not just a land-use project, but a robust economic system that creates predictable financial security for hundreds of families.
Strengthening Bohol’s Cacao Value Chain
This project serves as a key pillar in the province-wide "1 Million Cacao Trees" campaign, a 10-year roadmap aimed at positioning Bohol as a leading player in the national cacao market. Bohol Chocolate Farm founder Rosario Amores-Hudson noted that once the plantations reach full bearing capacity, the expansion could yield approximately 800 metric tons of fermented dry cacao beans annually. Achieving this scale is essential for reducing the province's reliance on beans imported from other regions and strengthening the "Bohol Single Origin" brand. By keeping the entire value chain—from nursery to processing—within the province, the initiative captures more value locally, turning agricultural raw materials into high-demand finished goods.
Paving the Way for Global Competitiveness
Beyond mere production, the project reflects a shift toward quality-driven, modern agriculture. Through continuous training on sustainable farming practices, pest management, and post-harvest handling, Catigbian is preparing its farmers to meet international standards. The long-term vision is for Bohol-grown cacao to earn recognition in global competitions like the Cacao of Excellence, which identifies the highest-quality beans in the world. As the province leverages its reputation as a premier tourist destination, the integration of "chocolate tourism"—where visitors can witness the process from bean to bar—adds a layer of cultural and economic depth that promises to drive long-term growth for the local agricultural sector.
