BUTUAN CITY — The Cacao Industry Cluster Consultation Meeting and Planning Workshop was held on September 23, 2026, at the Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center in Butuan City, gathering cacao industry stakeholders, government agencies, and partner organizations to establish strategic directions for the sector. The activity provided an important platform for assessing industry developments, identifying concerns, and collecting stakeholder perspectives on the challenges and opportunities influencing the cacao value chain in Agusan del Norte.
A Roadmap for Strategic Direction
One of the major parts of the meeting was the presentation of the Cacao Industry Roadmap, which outlined the strategic direction and priority areas for the sector. The roadmap forms part of a nationwide initiative described as unlike any previous effort, involving systematic consultations with important stakeholders throughout the cacao value chain, including government agencies, academic institutions, private sector partners, farmers, and industry organizations. Its development demonstrates a move toward more inclusive and data-driven planning, helping ensure that industry priorities reflect present conditions and emerging needs.
Strengthening Inter-Agency Coordination
Participating national government agencies also presented their respective programs, accomplishments, and interventions addressing the concerns identified by industry stakeholders. The discussions highlighted available support mechanisms while creating opportunities to determine areas for complementation and improved coordination among agencies. The Department of Agriculture-Caraga has stressed that with support from national and local governments and the private sector, Caraga has the potential to establish a viable and sustainable cacao industry. Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry, through initiatives such as the RAPID Growth Project, has been providing assistance to cacao-based enterprises, including support for developing value-added products such as tableya and other cacao-based goods.
Building on a Growing Industry Momentum
The consultation produced important inputs for identifying priority actions and possible programs, strengthening the shared commitment of industry stakeholders and government partners to developing a more productive, competitive, and sustainable cacao sector in Agusan del Norte. The province has already demonstrated strong potential in cacao production, with groups such as the Nasipit Cacao Farmers Ventures Association working toward their goal of making their hometown a "Chocolate City." The association has also benefited from processing equipment that enables members to earn more from producing tableya compared with selling raw cacao beans. The Cacao Industry Cluster consultation therefore serves as an important step toward sustaining this momentum through coordinated initiatives, responsive policies, and stronger cooperation among stakeholders across the cacao value chain.
