Sustainability, Nationwide Acceptance, and Technology Transfer.

(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

PDS BOOKS SELLING LIKE HOTCAKES!

Thank you for ordering the books! If you have not done so, we have different book formats that can cater to your budget:

  • HARDBOUND (2 volumes)
  • PAPERBACK (2 volumes)
  • eBook (per volume)
  • Online flippable book (per volume)

You see, hardbound books are costly; however, it is worth every penny. Paperbacks are good too but may undergo faster wear & tear. Online copies may be an advantage if you are tight on the budget. You may print it at home.

One thing though, you need to seek permission from us as the authors and Copyright owners.

The online copies have passwords. Members of PDS can receive the unprotected ones since they are members and the book is part of their learning process.


WANT TO ORDER?
EMAIL US
PDSCACAO@gmail.com
Subject: PDS BOOK

(Events) PDS Members to join PDS on October 12-13, 2016 at MMCC, Pasay

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Plantacion de Sikwate Cacao Producers Association Inc. was invited by the Federation of Philippine American Chambers of Commerce (FPACC) through the help of one of our Founding Members, Honorary Ambassador of California, Dr. Yolanda Ortega-Stern, who has been appointed Honorary Investment and Trade representative by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as well as representative of Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry Incorporated (PCCI).

(Layout by Ms. Cacao)

Join us on October 12-13,2016 at the Manila-Marriott Convention Center, Pasay City. We are in Booth #35. NO REGISTRATION FEE. Just come in from 8am to 5PM!

Update:

PDS Members who are co-exhibiting on Oct 12-13, 2016 are:

Cacao de Davao Chocolocco Gourmet of Chocolate

(Affiliated Farms) Orient Farm is one of PDS’ Model Farms

Orient farm is our model farm in Davao, where Mr. Cacao brings PDS cacao visitors and investors.

Mang Leo, the farm supervisor, is a friend of Mr. Cacao who is always willing to listen from his advice regarding natural farming.

In 2015, Mang Leo used too much chemical inputs and chemicals to eliminate weeds in the whole farm until he listened to use mechanized grass cutters and apply microorganisms.

Mr. Cacao took pictures of the farm yesterday and was amazed to see when this farm became so successful in fruiting too much pods!

This is their story and we are sharing to you why CHEMICALS is not the RIGHT WAY to go. #TeamPDS#caringforDavao, #cacao, #chocolate, #organic, #organicfarming, #photography, #photo, #natural, #nature, #naturephotography, #nochemicals, #chemicalfree, #microorganisms, #mechanizedgrasscutters, #TLC, #plantaciondesikwate 

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