DAVAO CITY -- The Cacao Davao Experience storytelling competition launched by the Department of Agriculture (DA) in August continues to draw more entries, mostly professionals and bloggers from the Davao Region.
Noel Provido, DA-11 communications chief, said there are already more than 30 entries as of October 9, two months since the contest was launched on August 9 at the Apo View Hotel. It will run until November 9.
Winning entries will get PHP20,000 for Best Cacao Davao Story; PHP10,000 for People’s Choice Award; and PHP5,000 for the consolation prize.
The Best Story will be judged according to visual appeal for 25 percent; compelling narrative for 25 percent; resonating message for 25 percent; and, creativity and originality also for 25 percent. The full mechanics of the competition can be found on DA's Facebook page -- Agri Info Davao.
Provido said the Cacao Davao Experience competition aims to promote cacao products as the city positions itself as the chocolate and cacao capital of the country.
He said the contest also aims to draw more farmers to engage in cacao production amid the increasing demand for cacao abroad.
In 2016, cacao production in the region reached 5,073.83 metric tons with Davao City contributing the biggest volume.
DA record showed that more than three million trees have been rehabilitated for production during the period of 2016-2017. The remaining estimated 4 million will need to undergo additional rehabilitation.
Cacao Industry Development Association of Mindanao Inc. (CIDAMi) executive director Valente Turtur earlier reported that the Philippine consumption is at 50,000 metric tons and the country's cacao farmers need to double this output just to fill the European market alone.
Turtur said the exceptional quality of Davao’s cacao is drawing the interest of chocolate makers in Europe and Japan.
The cacao industry is being supported by the city government, Davao City being home to award-winning chocolate maker Malagos Chocolate and supplier of Askinosie Chocolate. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)
