Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III recently vowed to support the agrarian reform beneficiaries involved in the cacao industry in the Philippines.

During his speech at the opening of the Cacao National Congress 2022 held at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City, Estrella stressed that the agency will ensure that the Land Bank of the Philippines will provide financial assistance and credit access to ARBs involved in the cacao industry.

The DAR chief said that while the majority of the ARBs in the area are coconut planters, he encouraged farmers to intercrop coconut and cacao to increase their income and productivity in both industries.

"During the 1st quarter of 2023, we will invite the Departments of Interior and Local Government, Trade and Industry, Agriculture, Science and Technology and the Philippine Coconut Authority and representatives of the cacao industry to plan and advance its progress both locally and internationally," Estrella said.