PIVAC is now poised for cacao production in Cebu, hopes for DA accreditation soon

CEBU CITY – The Philippine Inno Ventures Agriculture Cooperative (PIVAC) hopes for the Department of Agriculture (DA-7) accreditation soon as it is poised to be the next hub for cacao and other agricultural production in Cebu and in Central Visayas.

“I am challenging the members of the PIVAC to collaborate with the government, specifically with the DA-7 in terms of productivity in cacao and other agri-products in Central Visayas and we will support the cooperative in terms of seedlings, technical and other service,” DA-7 regional executive director, Angel Enriquez posed this challenge during PIVAC’s general assembly, induction and pre-membership education seminar and information series in August held at the Golden Prince Hotel and Suites.

Enriquez said that there is already a scheduled deliberation for the accreditation of PIVAC as an agricultural organization and she can’t wait for PIVAC to be partners with DA-7 especially in the production of Cacao and other high-value crops in Central Visayas.

The government has invested a lot in the cacao industry, specifically the production of cacao panting materials.  Other countries in the world are now looking at the Philippines as one of those countries to produce its own cacao planting materials and other products without being dependent from Mindanao, Enriquez noted.

Enriquez said that this is now the time for PIVAC to positioned itself as partners of DA-7 in the massive production and development of the Cacao industry in Cebu to ensure the quality of the products from the seedlings and to the cacao beans.

“When I say plating materials, the quality planting materials that we really need because we wanted to ensure that we would have really good Cacao beans coming from the region, specifically, Cebu which could greatly help our farmers earn more income in the market,” Enriquez added.

Other than technical assistance, Enriquez said that the DA7 can link PIVAC with the major cacao markets in the world, Enriquez bared that Cacao is very much part of DA’s High-Value Crops development program, although DA has support for rice and corn, the high value crops consists of veggies, coffee, cacao and others.

This is one commodity that DA could have a good advantage in the market and it is talking of international markets.  “So, I’m really looking forward that finally your organization will become stronger and you’ll be able to help other farmers to become members of your organization, Enriquez said.

PIVAC’s other activities during its general assembly

Meanwhile, PIVAC’s general assembly in August this year saw the induction of its new board of directors, officers and new members for 2024 with DA-7 RED Angel Enriquez officiating the induction as well as its keynote speaker.

The event also included a seminar and demonstration on the production of organic concoctions and inputs from Reynald Jayjay of PCAF and Bonifacio Javier, independent consultant on the Story of Creation vis-à-vis Agro-Ecology and knowledge on Oriental Herbal Nutrients in nurturing the growth of plants and the ecosystems, the cycle of life and the interconnectedness of man and nature. 

Grace Cenas, PIVAC’s Executive Director gave the overview of the general assembly and discussed the Pre-membership education seminar (PMES) for the new and would-be members and she also hosted the business conference towards the end of the day’s event. (Photos: MBCNewman)