DTI-6 Launches Cacao SSF in Capiz

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-6 Regional Director Rebecca Rascon hopes for extensive operations of the cacao industry in Western Visayas during her message on the Launching of the Shared Service Facility (SSF) on Cacao Processing held on June 20, 2022 in Brgy. Cogon, Panit-an, Capiz.

This SSF project aims to provide technological upgrades for local processors and micro, small, and medium enterprises in the Province of Capiz to increase their production capacity, product quality and market competitiveness in the cacao industry, said DTI Capiz Provincial Director Ken Queenie Cunada.

With this SSF for Cacao Processing, cacao farmers in Capiz are given the opportunity to add value to their cacao products and increase their income by producing competitive chocolate-based products that will fetch higher prices in the market.

Cunada added that this will also open job opportunities for local cacao farmers in the province.

Dr. Rose Marie Conlu, President of the Capiz Cacao Industry Association (CCIA), thanked partner government agencies including DTI for providing P2.9 million worth of machinery for an industrial type of operations; the Provincial Government of Capiz and Department of Agriculture for funding the construction of the building; and the Departnment of Science and Technology for the technical support.

The activity started with the blessing of the facility, followed by the unveiling of the SSF’s signage, launching of the SSF, and capped off with a MOA/Usufruct signing between DTI and CCIA.

The launching was graced by the presence of Capiz Governor Esteban Evan Contreras along with the representatives from partner government agencies including DTI and DA, Provincial Government of Capiz, Brgy. Cogon barangay officials, CCIA officials, staff, and members.

DTI R6 continues to provide SSFs in the province in addition to ten SSFs already established and maintained in the nine municipalities and one city in Capiz covering different industry clusters.