DENR trains Capiz farmers in coffee, cacao enterprises

TAPAZ, Capiz – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 6, through its Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) in Capiz, conducted a two-day training program to help local farmers develop sustainable livelihoods through coffee and cacao production.

The training, held Oct. 7 and 8, 2026, at Harimuyngan Nga Padapunan in Barangay San Julian, Tapaz, brought together members of the Sta. Ana Mampaw Association under the DENR’s Social Enterprise Development (SED) Project.

The activity equipped participants with practical knowledge and skills in coffee and cacao bean production to support the development of sustainable, community-based enterprises.

Participants learned about coffee and cacao production, postharvest handling, strategies for establishing market connections, and basic financial record-keeping through lectures and hands-on field activities.

These interventions aim to help association members improve product quality and marketability, minimize postharvest losses, strengthen business management capabilities, and explore opportunities for better market access and income generation.

The SED Project is a key DENR initiative designed to build on the gains of the National Greening Program (NGP) by transforming established plantations into sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.

The NGP, established under Executive Order 26 in 2011 and expanded through Executive Order 193 in 2015, seeks to rehabilitate degraded forestlands while creating economic opportunities for communities involved in forest protection and management.

Under the Enhanced National Greening Program, social enterprise development helps participating communities generate income from established plantations while encouraging their continued protection and sustainable management.

The initiative also recognizes the importance of strengthening farmers’ entrepreneurial capabilities to ensure that reforestation efforts provide long-term economic benefits alongside environmental conservation.

The training was supported by DENR-6 through its National Greening Program, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Barangay Council of Sta. Ana.

Through these partnerships, DENR aims to help community associations turn agricultural production into viable enterprises while promoting forest conservation and sustainable livelihoods in upland communities.