The Davao Region, which comprises five separate provinces was announced last year to be the Cacao Capital of the Philippines. The catchy tagline worked, with websites like covering their activity.
Now the same group wants to attract investment into Cacao projects around the area, and may have found some interest from Belgium.
According to BusinessWorld online, there are currently 5,291 hectares of cacao plantations in the provinces, and another 2,660 hectares are considered for expansion.
That’s enough to yield at least 1,191 tonnes of cocoa each year, which represents a greater than 30% increase in the country’s production, measured in 2019 at 8,490 tonnes.
The Belgian Ambassador Michel Parys is convinced too, and is quoted as saying in a press release that he “saw the potential of Davao Oriental for this investment opportunity following his visit to some cacao farms in the province.”
Government officials are anxious to do business with investors, hinting at incentives for those who are willing to invest. Whenever someone talks about investing in the Philippines, Manilla is usually what comes to mind. Davao’s government wants to change that mentality, and Mr. Parys is on board as well.
Many Belgian companies think that if they come to Manila, (they are already) trading with the Philippines. I am trying to prove them wrong. Maybe you should not stay in Manila. You have to go to Cebu, Davao,”
Michel Parys, Belgian Ambassador to the Philippines
