In celebration of the World Chocolate Day on July 7, the Department of Trade and Industry – Region III (DTI-3) highlights the growing cacao industry in Central Luzon, with Aurora province emerging as a key player due to its ideal climate and committed Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
As of May 2025, DTI-3’s assisted MSMEs have reported more than ₱1.37 million in investments, ₱1.39 million in sales, and the creation of 113 jobs in the region’s cacao sector. The department has also assisted 14 cacao MSMEs.
DTI-Aurora leads the charge, supporting five cacao processors in the region—four based in Aurora and one in Bulacan. These enterprises produce a variety of high-value cacao-based products such as tablea, cacao nibs, chocolate bars, and even chocolate sorbetes.
Central Luzon’s climate, particularly the Type II weather condition in Aurora (with no pronounced dry season and a rainy period from November to January), has been identified by cacao experts as one of the most suitable in the Philippines for cultivation.
Among the industry players is the Aurora Cacao Agriculture Cooperative (ACAC), a DTI-assisted organization that operates a Shared Service Facility (SSF) for high quality tablea production. ACAC recently received the Gawad Saka Regional Award from the Department of Agriculture on May 15, 2025, in recognition of its innovative and sustainable practices.
Additionally, DLA Naturals Inc., a cacao bean consolidator based in Dipaculao, Aurora, partners with local farmers and a Belgian chocolate maker to export artisanal chocolate to international markets. The Barrameda Cacao Farm, affiliated with DLA, is also accredited by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) as a Learning Site for Agriculture, providing technical knowledge to aspiring cacao growers.
Farmer cooperatives and associations such as the Kapampangan Development Foundation, San Luis Organic Cacao Producers Cooperative, Desmond Farm, and Talbak Fruits and Coffee Growers Association continue to expand cacao farming and processing in Central Luzon.
“With the region’s ideal climate and strong industry collaboration, Central Luzon is poised to become a center for high-quality cacao production. DTI encourages farmers and investors to take part in this growing sector while we remain steadfast in supporting them,” DTI-3 Regional Director Edna D. Dizon said.
Through sustained industry engagement and the implementation of strategic programs, DTI-3 reaffirms its commitment to make a mark in cacao production.
