The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 4-A has concluded the Calabarzon Cacao Quality Award (CCQA) 2025, a regional initiative recognizing excellence in fermented cacao bean production, through a two-part event held in Quezon Province this October.
DTI said the initiative was carried out in partnership with the University of the Philippines Los Baños, the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 4-A, the Calabarzon Cacao Industry Federation Inc., the Calabarzon Cacao Industry Council, and the Offices of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAs) of Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, and Rizal.
The activity began with the Regional Technical Evaluation and Judging on October 7-8, 2025, at Flor and Daisy’s Agricultural Farm in Sariaya, Quezon, followed by the Awarding Ceremony on October 22, 2025, at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City as one of the highlights of the CALABARZON Cacao Congress 2025.
The two-day judging activity brought together cacao producers from across the region, with a total of 17 entries submitted from Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Quezon for a rigorous assessment based on internationally recognized grading protocols.
All entries underwent coding and blind judging to ensure impartiality, with evaluations focusing on moisture content, fermentation level, bean defects, mold presence, and other quality parameters.
The process was conducted under the supervision of Prof. Romel M. Felismino, Lead Technical Consultant from the UPLB Institute of Food Science and Technology. The judging activity also provided participants with valuable technical feedback to help improve their postharvest practices and prepare them for the Philippine Cacao Quality Award (PCQA) 2026.
The culmination of the process took place during the Awarding Ceremony on October 22. The four regional winners were: Florencio Flores, Romeo Manalo, Luz C. Gusto and Paulino Sulibit. They were formally recognized for producing the best fermented cacao beans in Calabarzon. The event honored the outstanding efforts of farmers, cooperatives, and associations who have demonstrated excellence and sustainability in cacao production.
The program featured congratulatory messages, the presentation of plaques and certificates to winners and partners, and a photo session to celebrate the region’s milestone in advancing cacao quality.
‘Local cacao products are more than just ingredients for delicious chocolates – they hold a promise of a brighter sustainable future for our farmers and the entire cacao industry’, said DTI 4-A Assistant Regional Director Revelyn A. Cortez.
‘This gathering celebrates not only the progress of the cacao industry but also the promising development of Calabarzon in shaping its bright future’, said DA Undersecretary Cherryl Marie N. Caballero.