Heightening the technological and entrepreneurial skills of the Cacao Growers and Processors Association in Lamut (CGPAL) members

Abstract

Republic Act No. 10055, or the Philippine Technology Transfer Act, mandates that government-funded Research and Development Institutions (RDIs) prioritize the transformation of research outputs into valuable, commercialized products to foster national development. This project outlines an extension program that operationalized this mandate by transferring technology for new herb-infused cocoa products to a community-based organization. The core objective of this initiative was to empower the Cacao Growers and Processors Association of Lamut (CGPAL) by addressing their identified knowledge gaps in cacao post-harvest processing, technological applications, and entrepreneurial skills. A needs-based training program was designed and implemented, with a comprehensive curriculum covering food safety, cacao processing techniques, new product formulation, packaging and labeling, product costing, and marketing strategies. This multi-faceted approach was crucial for ensuring the CGPAL members could not only adopt the new technology but also effectively manage it as a viable enterprise. Implemented from November 2024 to July 2025, the program successfully transferred eight specific technologies, including the compositions and processes for preparing thyme, turmeric, ginger, and pandan-infused cocoa tablets. Participant feedback was positive, with training sessions receiving "Very Satisfied" to "Outstanding" ratings. Key outputs included the production of an initial batch of products for market testing, the creation of an organizational logo and packaging designs, and the formalization of a quadripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Benguet State University, CGPAL, the Local Government Unit of Lamut, and the Department of Trade and Industry.