THE MINDANAO Development Authority (MinDA) and the Philippine Cacao Industry Association (PCIA) are exploring a partnership to strengthen the Philippine cocoa industry and position it in higher-value international markets.
MinDA Secretary Leo A. Magno said the agency will support the industry, particularly in Mindanao, by facilitating bankable investments, creating sustainable opportunities for farmers and enterprises.
Improving cocoa quality and productivity, achieving economies of scale through clustering, expanding access to financing, strengthening market linkages, and improving the commercial viability of cocoa enterprises were named the priority areas for intervention.
PCIA, together with industry leaders, acknowledged that Philippine cacao has the potential to be recognized by the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO).
The ICCO is an intergovernmental organization under the United Nations established to regulate and promote the world cocoa economy.
Such recognition would raise the country’s market standing and open opportunities for premium global trade.
MinDA identified its transformational enterprise support for the Agribusiness Value-Chains of Mindanao (TEAM) Program as a potential framework for cocoa industry interventions.
“The TEAM Program may serve as a mechanism to strengthen enterprises and value-chain actors by improving production, facilitating financing, and connecting producers to higher-value markets,” MinDA said.
Consul Armi Lopez-Garcia presented “The Philippine Cacao Roadmap (2026–2030)” during Day 2 of the 28th Davao Agri Trade Expo (DATE 2026) at the SMX Convention Center on Sept. 18.
PCIA president Garcia emphasized farmer clustering and intercropping as priorities to boost growth and yields of cacao.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the April to June 2026 cacao production reached 2.79 thousand metric tons, the highest recorded since the beginning of the quarterly series in 2010.
Davao Region is the top cacao-producing region with 1.61 thousand metric tons.
