Tuesday, May 27, 2014

LGU Umingan’s 1st Cacao Talk


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

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