TESDA-WNAS creates an impact not only in TESDA Davao Region but even at the national level. After securing the third spot Income Generating Project (IGP) in the whole TESDA-Philippines, WNAS TABLEA continues to make waves. This single-origin Tablea is a bestseller product of its kind because we make it from pure fermented cacao beans. This premium commodity is the favorite pasalubong of our visitors in TESDA-WNAS and graduates in our institution who are now working overseas.
Just recently, Davao City bids to be the Chocolate Capital of the Philippines. It is true since Davao City and Davao Region at large is the biggest producer of cacao beans with 80% total in the entire country. Even a major player in the export industry of cacao beans in the international market.
TESDA-WNAS supports the attempt of our local government through integrating Cacao Production to the skills development training program of Agricultural Crops Production. Cacao is one of the high-value crops that TESDA-WNAS produced. We have a 7-year partnership with ACDI/VOCA that is a Non-Government Organization (NGO) funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in implementing their 1st phase project which is the Cacao Project.
From producing pure Tablea, TESDA-WNAS ventures to Chocolate Making. Value-adding the existing Tablea Production to cater to a wider market with interesting preferential demographics. Likewise, to fulfill the unserved and under-served markets, to grow the awareness of WNAS Tablea and Dark Chocolates. TESDA-WNAS administration that makes up greater revenue supported such a feat.
With the value-adding concept, the volume of Tablea Production becomes notably high. According to Ms. Erlinda Ferrer, Agricultural Crops Production NC I and NC III Trainer, they can process an average of 30 Kilograms of cacao beans every month, half of the cocoa liquor is for the 62% Dark Chocolate production.
They make two flavors of Dark Chocolates; Mango and Strawberry flavors. They added pop rice for the Mango flavor and placed in a gold packaging. Meanwhile, peanuts serve as extenders for Strawberry flavor and put in silver packaging. They are selling Tablea for Php 35.00/pack @ 100 grams net weight, and Php 50.00 for Dark Chocolates with the same weight.
With the great demand of Dark Chocolates locally and internationally, TESDA-WNAS is up for the challenge. It is about time to advance the research on cacao processing and more value-adding techniques to maximize the potential of cacao. Also, the need to access of the state-of-art technology that generates efficient management of the cacao beans, by producing bean-to-bar concept, to enhance the marketability of the WNAS Tablea. - Jonah D. Samillano / SMAC Focal
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