(2024)
I visited Waterfront Hotel Cebu since I had a meeting. I checked the Cacao Congress since it was within the hotel.
I was approached by a lot of people. It was a heartwarming moment that even students from the Ateneo told me that they are followers of our social media footprint.
Chris Fadriga was there,
Dr. Barlaan, Charita
Puentespina, and our notable Plantacion de Sikwate group (Bohol, Negros Islands, Pangasinan, Laguna) to name a few.
I was glad to see that this year’s congress highlighted the Criollo variety as an important High Value Crop in the sector.
It is Plantacion de Sikwate’s advocacy to share to every farmer the cacao variety called Criollo. 8 years ago it was lobbied not to propagate because it brings pod rot, difficulty to plant, and has low yield. Well, things changed.
It brings me joy that what Plantacion de Sikwate shared to farmers is taking shape and being accepted.
Together with the co-cacao variety planting (W10, BR-25 and Criollo) the best tasting chocolate bars and tableas were achieved.
The yesteryear’s UF-18 is useful as a slave crop during grafting due to its ability to speed up flowering and aid in pod size. We respect other varieties and would be supportive to farmers who prefer the hybrids.
Our initiative to promote inter-cropping is still being followed; for it is advisable as another means of livelihood while waiting for the cacao tree’s harvest. Here, my support towards sustainability where options B to Z is covered.
ALWAYS LOOK BACK.
I remember 2014 when Plantacion de Sikwate started. It was all about research at first. When proper education was achieved, technology transfer followed suit.
Yes, our motto kept us together — HELP, EDUCATE, and INSPIRE. This, my beloved followers and members, is the secret of our cacao planters group.
Tito Mel
Here is Kahlil Carazo’s article entitled 
MEL SANTOS
ROMELA FABULA
CHRISTIAN VALDES
Executive Chef CHRISTOPHER CARANGIAN