Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. is pushing to position “Bicol Cacao” as a globally recognized brand, citing the region’s ideal conditions and increasing recognition for premium beans and chocolate.
Speaking at the first Bicol Cacao Congress and fourth Cacao Festival, Tiu Laurel lauded the region’s progress, spotlighting Alea Chocolates as the designated key cacao processor for Bicol by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
The DA is currently updating its Cacao Industry Roadmap to boost national output and global competitiveness. The plan includes increasing production, building processing facilities, expanding markets, and promoting sustainable practices, with a strong emphasis on private sector investment.
Tiu Laurel said cacao offers significant potential for rural employment and income growth. Last year, the crop’s value surged by 49 percemt, contributing ₱1.78 billion to the ₱436.9 billion crop sector total.
He noted that global supply disruptions and stricter environmental regulations in major cocoa-producing countries have driven up cocoa prices, opening new market opportunities for the Philippines. Cocoa prices peaked at over US$12,000 per ton last year, compared to US$3,200 two years ago.
The DA’s support aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s High Value Crops Development Program, which includes access to quality planting materials, farm rejuvenation, and investment in post-harvest facilities.
“Let’s make Bicol a sweet spot on the global cacao map—literally and economically,” Tiu Laurel said.
