USTP Claveria strengthens agri-innovation with new cacao processing hub with DTI
By Carlos Ian Mendoza, Nueva D. Salaan,STRATCOMM Focal, USTP Claveria
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The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Claveria, Misamis Oriental (USTP Claveria) strengthens its agriculture innovation with a strong tie with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through launching a ₱2.6-million Shared Service Facility (SSF) for cacao processing at the USTP Business Center, USTP Claveria. This project will help transform the cacao industry and improve livelihoods for farmers across Eastern Misamis Oriental.
The facility equips the USTP Claveria and Training Center, Inc., along with its farmer-beneficiaries, with state-of-the-art processing machines such as a vacuum fryer, grinder, dehydrator, vacuum packaging machine, and metal detector—all of which meet industry food-grade standards. Funded under DTI’s SSF program, the project seeks to address major gaps in the agricultural value chain while advancing the agency’s clustering strategy to grow rural enterprises and empower local communities.
Leadership for a Shared Dream
The launching and ribbon-cutting ceremony gathered key leaders and partners, including Congressman Yevgeny Vincente “Bambi” Emano, Claveria Mayor Renante Salvaleon, Municipal Councilor Noel Mopus, and USTP System President Dr. Ambrosio B. Cultura II, alongside university officials, farmer groups, and industry representatives.
In his welcome address, USTP Claveria Chancellor Dr. Renato O. Arazo expressed gratitude to the project’s champions, particularly Congressman Emano, who initiated the funding request in 2023, and the DTI leadership at both regional and provincial levels. He highlighted the presence of DTI Misamis Oriental OIC Provincial Director Jesusa M. Abear and Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist Judy Aklan Tangkihay, acknowledging their critical role in the project’s conceptualization and implementation.
Dr. Arazo emphasized that the cacao processing center is designed to serve over 1,000 cacao farmers and more than 20 processors and entrepreneurs in Eastern Misamis Oriental. “With this facility, we can now process fermented beans into high-quality cocoa butter and cocoa powder that meet FDA standards—products previously sourced from outside the region or even abroad,” he said.
According to Dr. Arazo, the facility reduces production costs, strengthens supply chains, and ensures that more value from cacao production stays within local communities. “Every kilogram of cocoa butter and powder produced here translates into higher income for families, stronger linkages for entrepreneurs, and sustainable opportunities for growth in the province,” he added.
DTI: A Symbol of Inclusive Development
In her message, OIC Provincial Director Jesusa M. Abear described the facility as both an economic and social milestone. She noted that by processing cacao locally, farmers can triple their earnings compared to selling raw or fermented beans.
“By investing in shared facilities, we are creating opportunities for farmers to scale up, access bigger markets, and move up the value chain,” she said. Ms. Abear stressed three key impacts of the initiative:
- Economic Impact—Farmers retain more value and triple their income by processing beans into finished products.
- Empowerment of Farmers and MSMEs – Technology access lowers costs while opening competitive market opportunities.
- Partnership Synergy—The project embodies strong collaboration among government, academe, industry, and farmers.
She lauded the leadership of Congressman Emano and the USTP system, calling the SSF “a long-time dream that has finally come true.”
Local Government Optimism
For Claveria Mayor Reynante L. Salvaleon, the new cacao processing center represents both an economic opportunity and a cultural revival. Recalling how his parents once cultivated cacao in Claveria’s vast plantations, he said the facility could inspire a new generation of farmers to return to cacao production.
“This is a welcome development for our municipality and our farmers. With this facility, we can dream of creating a signature Claveria product—locally branded, locally made, and globally recognized,” Mayor Salvaleon said. He envisions Claveria becoming known not only as a tourist destination but also as the ‘Chocolate Municipality of Misamis Oriental.’
The mayor credited Congressman Emano, DTI, and USTP leadership for bringing the project to fruition and called on the community to work together in realizing Claveria’s dream of developing a globally competitive cacao brand.
Scaling Up Farmers’ Income
Congressman Emano’s initiative, first proposed in August 2023, underscores his commitment to uplifting farmers and strengthening the agri-processing sector in the province. Based on DTI estimates, a farmer who previously earned ₱37,000 from selling fermented beans can now earn as much as ₱101,000 by processing them into cocoa butter and powder through the SSF.
Toward a Sustainable Cacao Industry
As part of DTI’s MSME development strategy, the facility is expected to create new employment, stimulate rural enterprise, and reinforce Misamis Oriental’s role in the country’s cacao and agribusiness industries.
The launch of the Cacao Processing Center in USTP Claveria marks not only the beginning of a new phase for cacao farmers but also a powerful model of public-private-academe collaboration. With strong partnerships and community engagement, stakeholders believe this project will catalyze inclusive economic transformation in Misamis Oriental and beyond.
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