By Anthony A. Araos
Middle to late August is always seen as a time for fresh beginnings of (2025-2028) officials in Ifugao. This ought to be comforting for each one who feels discouraged about yesterday’s effects of low agricultural productivity.
The future is pointing towards farming where focus is on cacao production. Yes, fellow columnist Danilo Padua said it correctly (“Coffee and cacao yell for help,” July 6, 2025) on the need to invest on cacao production. He pointed out the advantages of doing so, and his views for sure guided many. His discourse could be at the epicenter of this new and exciting reality. However, cacao production in Ifugao is not a reality but is definitely the next revolutionary step of the agriculture sector in this part of the Cordilleras. Thus, this commentary illustrates the profound impact that Governor Jerry Dalipog’s decisions and actions to push cacao production can have on farmers. As I emphasize that they are simply waiting for his word on this matter because they know that the ever-hardworking governor is with them. Eventually, expect a lot of results.
Information on cacao production is readily available and valuable, and I urge the officialdom to immediately disseminate it to farmers and all stakeholders. Instead of relying on outdated means of educating soil tillers, the Marcos administration should tap non-government organizations and all others in the private sector for this purpose.
All I can hope to do is to convince the people that cacao intercropping is highly profitable. This is even true for small farmers. In other words, it applies for farmers reining this crop in an area of one or two hectares.
The province has been seeing a lot of idle hectares of land as well as countless hectares plan ted of coconut trees, as it offers a multitude of opportunities for cacao intercropping. So why not capitalize on it. Several reasons account for its unattractiveness as a farming practice. For one, vital information has not been effectively forwarded to farmers. Obviously, there are some no brainers or who are simply sleeping on their jobs in these concerned agencies.
Clearly, it is high time to give cacao production a good deal of attention. It is invariably tied to the cause of injecting economic dynamism to Ifugao. Forget, forget, and forget moma! It is time to reverse course. This time has come to boost production of quality cacao, while empowering farmers, with science-based interventions. It would be unwise not to do so. It can be a major problem in the years to come.
Certainly, in the face of this prospect there is no reason for excuses and alibis. This proves itself strikingly so in a poverty-stricken province like Ifugao.
The stark difference between moma and cacao such is one of the great contrasts is not hard to see.
The former is not environmentally-friendly- its dirt. Thus, signs say “no chewing, no spitting” of moma, and distorts correct pronunciation of words, and the latter is good for nutrition and experts.
Nothing could deter me from turning down the moma. Thanks, but no thanks. I’d rather have Batangas’ Tablea or Davao’s Malagos.
At the OTOP (One Town, One Product) Ifugao outlet in Lagawe, Taluwon (moma or betel nut) is nowhere in sight. Well, everything happens for a reason.
Surely, the choice is crystal clear. So take into account cacao’s vitality, its most important to the economy reflects the underlying purpose of these thoughts.
It is time to put a lot of sense in Ifugao’s agriculture. With cacao, the future doesn’t look hopeless. Ample support from the provincial government shall usher renewed optimism for farmers. It is such a blessing for Ifugao, CAR and the country.**
