Cacao farmers, processors, and enthusiasts gathered to discuss the developments on cacao during the first Cordillera Cacao Festival slated on Feb. 14 to 15 at the Benguet State University gym. Government and private agencies attended the event with Benguet officials led by Gov. Melchor Diclas, Rep. Eric Go Yap represented by Khristine Molitas, Department of Agriculture-Cordillera Regional Technical Director for Operations Danilo Daguio, Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) Executive Director Enrico Paringit with guest of honor Philippine Cacao Industry Association Inc. President Army Lopez Garcia and Cordillera Cacao Industry Development Council Chair Eva Ritchelle Padua. — Ofelia Empian
