The first training for Cacao Doctors this year 2016 was held on February 08-12 at Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Grounds Conference Room at Bago Oshiro Tugbok District, Davao City. It was attended by participants from various places all over the Philippines, some from other countries.
The training lasted for a week- five (5) days to be exact, with the last two (2) days for cacao nursery and field application. It encompassed various topics including the Cacao Value Chain, Farming Methods and Good Agricultural Practices of Cacao, as well as the Marketability Status of Cacao as a High-Valued Commodity, including the Market Prices of Cacao.
“The training was really helpful”, said one participant who came from Manila to undergo training –related to company’s undertaking.
Another three, hailing from Dubai -two (2) sisters and their mother, said that the training they undertook would be of great help to their cacao business.
These two ladies, Iman and Luchie Suguitan are products of CIDAMI’s Cacao Doctor program who flew all the way from Dubai to Davao City to attend the five (5)-day cacao doctors’ training. They organized the OFW para sa Magsasaka in Dubai and launched the program “Invest in Cacao Farming in the Philippines”.
The five-day training ended with a ceremonial graduation and certification along with a short celebration.
The participants who undertook the training are now certified cacao doctors and vowed to use their knowledge to expand their cacao businesses and pass the knowledge along to others, along with it the appreciation for cacao as a marketable crop. These cacao doctors acknowledged CIDAMi for their services given. CIDAMi continues to realize its vision within the coming months for the succeeding trainings.