DAVAO CITY — Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Leo Tereso Magno said the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr is bent on helping the cacao industry prosper through government and private sector cooperation.

In his message during the opening of the National Cacao Congress 2023 on Thursday here, Magno said that he had initial talks with some cacao farmers about the high demand for cacao in the world.

He also added that they also discussed how the industry could take advantage of the high demand.

"I had a series of discussions with Councilor Marissa Abella (Committee on Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Food) I told her to make a roadmap on the things that we can help the cacao industry. Your goal is to address what the cacao industry needs, my office which is under the office of the President, has committed to your leaders that I am always willing to help you," Magno said.

Currently, the country alone consumes 50,000 metric tons (MT) of cocoa products annually while the local supply is estimated to be between 10,000 and 15,000 MT a year.

The world's cacao requirement in 2014 and 2015 was estimated at 4.1 million MT.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the Davao region accounts for 81 percent of the Philippines' annual cacao production.

Senator Mark Villar, who also graced the event, said that in recognizing the market potential for cacao, it is necessary to devise policies and programs that will help develop the cacao industry.

"I am one with you in aiming to extend our help for the attendees to achieve higher yields for their cacao farms to reach not only the local demand but to achieve the fame being earned by Filipino cacao growers who have been recognized because of their quality products," he said in his speech.

Villar said a lot of opportunities await the cacao industry and the cacao farmers.

"As your senator, you can rely on me for the support that you need for your continuous development," he said.

He added that the passage of Republic Act No. 11547 declaring Davao City as the "Chocolate Capital" and Davao Region as the "Cacao Capital of the Philippines," has recognized the vital contribution in making the Philippines world-renowned and sought after by chocolate makers from the U.S., Japan, and Europe.

"The law further recognizes the importance of cacao in providing livelihood to our local farmers," Villar said.