Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the RAPID Growth Project, brought together cacao farmer organizations, institutional buyers, and industry stakeholders during the KFI-DIP Marketing Forum held on April 30, 2026, at Park-Lay Suites in Kidapawan City. The forum served as a strategic platform to expand market opportunities and strengthen the cacao value chain in Cotabato Province and across Region XII.

A total of 13 cacao farmer organizations participated in the event, engaging directly with potential buyers and market partners to explore business opportunities, strengthen existing relationships, and foster long-term collaboration. The forum highlighted the importance of building sustainable market connections that can help improve farmers’ access to reliable markets and increase the value of their produce.

The activity was attended by Regional Director Flora D. Politud-Gabunales, Acting Provincial Director Robert A. Orfrecio, Acting Technical Division Chief Epifania L. Ealdama, and Division Chief Federico Ealdama, whose presence underscored the shared commitment to advancing the growth and competitiveness of the region’s cacao industry.

Key industry players, including Kennemer Foods International Inc., Sta. Catalina Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Pangao-an Homeowners Multi-Purpose Cooperative, and Le Cacao Farm, also participated in the forum as potential buyers and market partners. Their engagement provided farmer organizations with valuable opportunities to establish new business connections and explore market requirements and industry trends.

Through meaningful discussions, open forum sessions, and business networking engagements, participating farmer organizations were able to strengthen market linkages and revisit existing Commercial Partnership Agreements (CPAs) with institutional buyers. These interactions helped pave the way for stronger business relationships, improved market access, and increased opportunities for sustainable growth within the cacao sector.

As part of its market-driven approach, the RAPID Growth Project continues to facilitate partnerships that connect farmers to viable markets, enhance the competitiveness of farmer organizations, and create greater economic opportunities for rural communities. By strengthening collaboration across the cacao value chain, the project contributes to the long-term development and sustainability of the cacao industry in Cotabato Province and Region XII.