JULY 24, 2015

NR # 3905

Solon wants inquiry of status of local cacao industry as experts project

world shortage of cacao by 2020
In light of a projected world shortage of at least one million metric ton of cacao by
2020, Rep. Angelina D.L. Tan (4th District, Quezon) is seeking a House inquiry into the
status of the cacao and chocolate industry in the country to boost its production.
To help local farmers boost cacao production and revitalize the cacao industry,
there is a need to look into the situation of cacao and chocolate industry in the country,
and maximize its full potential and provide livelihood opportunities in the rural areas in
light of a projected world deficit in cacao supply by 2020, said Tan.
Tan, a medical doctor, said according to the International Cacao Organization, the
projected world deficit of cacao beans by the end of 2014 alone was 75,000 tons, from
193,000 tons in 2013.
Despite existing policies that promote the development of the countrys cacao
industry, a measly 12,000 metric tons of dried cacao beans have been produced annually
which is far short from the 30,000 metric tons needed locally, said Tan.
According to the lawmaker, Republic Act 7900, or the High-Value Crops
Development Act of 1995 listed cacao and other high-value crops as among those
covered by the funding requirements, incentives and credit assistance for their production,
marketing, processing and technical and infrastructure support.
Tan said the Philippines produced 4,856 metric tons of cacao in 2011, then 4,831
metric tons in 2012, and 4,876 metric tons in 2013.
To satisfy the local demand, Tan said the country imported some 22,000 tons of
cacao in 2008 to 2009, followed by 23,000 tons in 2009 to 2010 and 22,000 tons in 2010
to 2011, while contributing a miniscule produce in the global cacao market.
The lawmaker, through House Resolution 1520, sought the inquiry, which shall be
undertaken the Committee on Agriculture and Food chaired by Rep. Mark Llandro L.
Mendoza (4th District, Batangas).
Tan said the resolution complements Article XIII, Section 5 of the Constitution,
providing that The State shall recognize the right of farmers, farmworkers, and
landowners, as well as cooperatives, and other independent farmers organizations to
participate in the planning, organization, and management of the program, and shall
provide support to agriculture through appropriate technology and research, and adequate
financial, production, marketing, and other support services.

The resolution is also line with Article XII, Section 1 of the Constitution, providing
that The goals of the national economy are a more equitable distribution of opportunities,
income, and wealth; a sustained increase in the amount of goods and services produced by
the nation for the benefit of the people; and an expanding productivity as the key to raising
the quality of life for all, especially the underprivileged.
The same section provides The State shall promote industrialization and full
employment based on sound agricultural development and agrarian reform, through
industries that make full and efficient use of human and natural resources, and which are
competitive in both domestic and foreign markets. However, the State shall protect
Filipino enterprises against unfair foreign competition and trade practices.
Moreover, the section provides In the pursuit of these goals, all sectors of the
economy and all regions of the country shall be given optimum opportunity to develop.
Private enterprises, including corporations, cooperatives, and similar collective
organizations, shall be encouraged to broaden the base of their owners. (30) rbb