DAVAO — The Department of Trade and Industry Davao del Norte, through the RAPID Growth Project, led the groundbreaking ceremony and Memorandum of Agreement signing for the Kapalong Cooperative Cacao Warehouse and Storage Facility on October 8, 2026. The event was held at Sitio Mabuhay, Barangay Capungagan.
A Facility to Strengthen the Cacao Value Chain
The Kapalong Cooperative, one of the RAPID Growth Project's beneficiaries, is receiving support through a Matching Grant for the development of the warehouse and storage facility. The infrastructure is designed to strengthen the cooperative's cacao processing operations by providing improved storage, handling, and logistical capacity while supporting the efficient movement of cacao products along the value chain.
More than providing physical infrastructure, the investment is expected to enhance the cooperative's ability to consolidate cacao, improve post-harvest handling, and support processing activities. These improvements will also help strengthen market linkages, creating a more organized and responsive cacao value chain for farmer-members.
Officials and Partners Attend Ceremony
DTI Davao del Norte Provincial Director Atty. Zerline T. Balleque graced the activity, joined by officials from the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office XI, the Local Government of Kapalong, the Provincial Government of Davao del Norte, and Barangay Capungagan. Other partners and stakeholders supporting the cacao industry's development also attended.
The strong turnout reflected the collaborative effort behind the initiative. Government agencies at the provincial, municipal, and barangay levels joined forces with farmer organizations and private-sector partners. Their shared commitment ensures that the facility will be properly implemented and sustained for the benefit of the local cacao industry.
Supporting Farmers and Cooperatives
The RAPID Growth Project continues to work with farmer organizations, cooperatives, government agencies, and private-sector partners to strengthen value chain linkages. The program aims to improve enterprise capacities and create greater opportunities for cacao farmers and their organizations across Davao del Norte.
For the Kapalong Cooperative, the warehouse and storage facility represents a significant upgrade in operational capability. Better storage reduces post-harvest losses, preserves bean quality, and allows the cooperative to time its sales for more favorable market prices. These advantages translate directly into higher incomes for member-farmers.
Cacao: A High-Value Crop for Davao del Norte
Davao del Norte has long been recognized as a key cacao-producing province in the Philippines. The region's favorable climate and fertile soil support the cultivation of premium cacao varieties sought after by local and international chocolate makers. The growing global demand for Philippine cacao presents substantial opportunities for farmers.
By investing in infrastructure and capacity-building, the government and its partners are positioning Kapalong as a competitive player in the cacao industry. The warehouse facility will enable the cooperative to aggregate larger volumes, meet the requirements of institutional buyers, and negotiate better terms. These steps move the industry closer to a sustainable and profitable future.
Strengthening Every Link in the Value Chain
From farm production to processing, storage, and market, the initiative addresses each stage of the cacao value chain. Strengthening these links creates a more resilient and competitive industry that benefits everyone involved—from smallholder farmers to processors and exporters.
The RAPID Growth Project exemplifies how targeted government support can catalyze rural development. By providing matching grants for infrastructure and capacity-building, the program empowers cooperatives to become engines of local economic growth. The Kapalong facility stands as a testament to this approach.
