CAMIGUIN (PIA)–Even with the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 pandemic and onslaught of the recent typhoons, Camarines Sur targets to create a ‘chocolate region’ by boosting their cacao production.
Camarines Sur Mayor Fermin Mabulo said during the Network Briefing News with Communications Sec. Martin Andanar, December 16, that they have seen the resiliency of cacao after experiencing several typhoons this year.
“Halos lahat ng agri products ay bagsak nung bagyo. Ang cacao natanggal ang mga dahon pero nahihinog pa rin ang mga bunga niya. Two weeks after ng bagyo, full grown na naman ang mga dahon nila,” Mabulo said.
(Almost all of the agri products have low production during the recent typhoons. The leaves of cacao have fallen but the fruits still have ripened. Two weeks after the typhoon, the leaves have full grown again)
To make a good start, Mabulo said his daughter made a 4-hectare model farm with the help of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Department of Tourism (DOT). They are aiming for a boost in agri-farm tourism.
Mabulo also boasts their premium lobsters and fish. However, due to the pandemic, the locals are unable to export their products to Japan. Thus, the LGU seeks ways to aid the fisher folk and help them market their products.
Eels, crabs and other products can also be bought in the area.
Aside from their COVID-19 response, Camarines Sur backs their agricultural sector so they can slowly bounce back after experiencing several challenges this year. (RTP/PIA10)
