Albay: Albay 3rd District Rep. Raymond Adrian Salceda is promoting the development of Bicol's cacao as a premium regional brand with strong export potential. Salceda has welcomed support for his proposed measure that seeks to declare cacao development as a priority program for the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, Salceda expressed gratitude for the support from the Bicol Cacao Industry Council (BCIC) and the Philippine Cacao Industry Association (PCIA)-Bicol Chapter for House Bill 4219. The congressman appreciated their recommendations on strengthening the measure and ensuring the industry's active involvement in shaping the future of cacao development in Bicol.
Salceda emphasized that the measure aims to help Bicolano farmers and enterprises gain more value from the cacao industry, encompassing production, post-harvest processing, chocolate manufacturing, and market development. He believes that a well-organized system with engaged stakeholders can foster an industry that creates jobs, increases farmers' incomes, strengthens local businesses, and establishes Bicol as a source of quality cacao and chocolate.
House Bill 4219 proposes the creation of the Bicol Cacao Development Program Office under the Department of Agriculture's regional office. This office would serve as the regional hub for cacao initiatives, coordinating programs on production, research, processing, market development, and other necessary interventions to scale up the industry.
Both BCIC and PCIA-Bicol have expressed their support for the bill, suggesting amendments to institutionalize public-private participation in its governance and implementation. Their proposals include establishing a Bicol Cacao Development Governing Board, ensuring formal representation for farmers, processors, and industry organizations, and recognizing BCIC as a principal regional private-sector coordinating partner.
Salceda stated that the goal is not merely to create another program, but to establish a robust framework where various stakeholders can collaborate to build a competitive and sustainable cacao industry in Bicol.
The measure holds particular importance for Salceda as the chair of the House Special Committee on Food Security. Strengthening the industry could contribute to food security by improving farmers' incomes, fostering resilient agricultural livelihoods, encouraging value-adding and rural enterprise development, and diversifying economic opportunities for farming communities.
