Quezon is making good in its bid to become the “Cacao capital of the Calabarzon” (Region 4A).

This, as Quezon Governor Dr. Angelina Helen Tan supports the cacao industry of the province by initiating programs intended for the crop’s increased production and establishing more income-generating opportunities for its farmers.

During the recent 1st Quezon Cacao Summit held in Lucena City that was attended by partner agencies from the national and local government and associations of cacao farmers, traders, and processors from various towns in Quezon, Dr. Tan said that she intends to support agricultural programs of the province.

“What we desire is for Quezon to be recognized not only for coconut but also for cacao. Today, we joined the cacao farmers and Quezon province in showcasing the proud and diverse products made from cacao in the province. Through our collaboration, we aim to further promote our province as the ‘Cacao capital of Calabarzon’,” Tan declared.

Tan added that it is necessary to ensure the sustainability of cacao cultivation in the coming years, and that she intends to organize an annual Chocolate Festival during the month of February, aligning it with the customary Valentine’s Day celebration, where chocolate is often given as a gift.

Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Alexander Garcia, meanwhile, said that their office is committed to bolstering competitiveness among cacao growers, including the improvement of processing and marketing of cacao-based products especially those that will be marketed outside the province.

To recall, it was in November 2020 when the Department of Agriculture (DA) inaugurated a cacao facility in Gumaca.

At that time, cacao farming was being promoted in nine towns in the province, namely: Atimonan, Plaridel, Lopez, Gumaca, Perez, Calauag, Tagkawayan, Guinayangan, and Quezon.

It was also in late 2022 when the range of “Tangerine” chocolate products of the Four K Kakao Farm in Gumaca was launched.

Tangerine is dark chocolate made by cacao farmers and members of the Kakao Integrated Development for Livelihood and Transformation, with the guidance and assistance of Dr. Tan.

The cacao facility in Gumaca also hosts the DA-Calabarzon’s technology demonstration farm and bud wood garden, with certified and tagged UF18 and BR25 cacao varieties.