The Local Government Unit of
Umingan in coordination with the Municipal Agriculture Office through Farmers
Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center conducted a seminar on Cacao
Production. LGU Umingan is the first municipality in Pangasinan who conducted a
Cacao Production Seminar. It was attended by selected prospective cacao growers
in Umingan. The resource speakers were Dr. Honorio L. Cascolan, former Dean of
the College of Agriculture, Pangasinan State University and presently the Vice
President for Administration and Finance; Ms Lu Jane B. Inso from the Regional
Crop Protection Center of Region I.
The nitty gritty of cacao
production was discussed by Dr. Cascolan and some of the farmers with knowledge
in cacao was encouraged to participate and share their experiences. Ms Lu Jane
discussed the common pest and diseases of cacao and their control.
Pangasinan Cacao Growers
Association President Mr. Conrado G. Soriano also shared
informations on marketing and
financing aspects of cacao. Also in attendance was the former Department of Agriculture Regional Field
Office I Director Rogelio V. Signey who
now resides in Umingan. The
Committee Chairman on Agriculture, SB Member Michael Carleone M. Cruz also attended the event.
Municipal Agriculturist Francisco
O. Collado Jr and the FITS Umingan staff organized the Cacao Production Seminar
through the full support of the Local Chief Executive of Umingan Hon. Eldred P.
Tumbocon.
The highlight of the event was
the formation of the Cacao Growers of Umingan. The group elected Mr. Medel M.
Suitos as their president.
Municipal Agriculture Office through the Farmers
Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center funds are growing some 600
cacao seedlings at the municipal nursery which will be distributed to the
participants of the training once the seedlings are ready for planting. It is a
Criollo variety which is said to be a rare cacao variety. What the fine Arabica
bean is to coffee, the even finer and rarer Criollo bean is to chocolate.
Contributed by:
Vilma Lapuz-Abalos
Agricultural Technologist
