Apoy Benit Cacao Agricultural Farming

29/05/2026

Our farm manager, Mr. Osmeña “Osme” Tajo, was honored to be invited as the keynote speaker during the culminating ceremonies of the 2026 Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month Celebration held at Fan’s Hotel, Palo, Leyte.

The event gathered agricultural leaders, awardees, farmers, fisherfolk, and officials from DA Region 8 to recognize the invaluable contribution of the agriculture and fisheries sector amid today’s challenges.

As manager of our PhilGAP-certified cacao farm and one of the people behind our farm’s journey from cacao farming to internationally awarded chocolates, Osme shared inspiring words about perseverance, sustainable farming, quality cacao production, and the importance of helping fellow farmers grow together.

We are truly proud of Osme for representing not only our farm, but also the hardworking cacao farmers of Samar and Region 8. 🌱🍫🇵🇭

Thank you to the Department of Agriculture Region 8, headed by Director Rodel Macapanas, and the organizers for the invitation and recognition.

21/05/2026

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Agricultural Training Institute Region VIII for conducting the successful three-day training on our farm. The event was a tremendous success—not only in the impressive turnout of participants, but also in the enthusiasm and active participation shown throughout all three days of sessions.

We are especially grateful that the participants gained valuable knowledge and hands-on skills in cacao propagation and nursery management. It is our hope that they will use what they learned to help increase the propagation of cacao trees in our region and contribute to the continued growth of the Philippine cacao industry. 🌱🍫

20/05/2026

On the second day of the training, the participants received hands-on instruction and actual demonstrations on proper cacao seed germination, correct soil preparation and bagging, sowing of germinated seeds, and the selection of scions and grafting onto rootstocks.

With the knowledge and skills they acquired, participants are now better equipped to produce high-quality planting materials themselves, helping make superior cacao seedlings more accessible to cacao farmers in their respective communities.

This program of the Department of Agriculture and the Cacao Farmers and Industry Development Program is truly a game changer in advancing the country’s cacao roadmap and strengthening the future of the Philippine cacao industry.

19/05/2026

Happening today at our farm 🌱

We are honored to host the “Training on Plant Nursery Establishment of High-Value Crops (HVC) Leading to BPI Accreditation” conducted by the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center VIII. This training aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to properly establish and manage plant nurseries while meeting the standards for BPI accreditation.

As advocates of quality agriculture and sustainable farming, we are grateful that our farm continues to serve as a venue for learning, collaboration, and agricultural development. 🌿

18/05/2026

Thank you, DTI Samar 🧑‍🌾🍫

16/05/2026

The BCY Cooperative, headed by our friend and fellow cacao farmer Mr. Daniel Barlicos, is composed of dedicated cacao farmers from Laguna who share the same mission that we do — to propagate more cacao trees, increase harvest yields, and produce high-quality cacao beans worthy of being transformed into fine chocolates.

We are honored to welcome one of their members, Adan U. Ramos, to our farm for an internship under the guidance of our farm manager, Osme. During his stay, he is learning our various farm protocols — from producing organic fertilizers, pruning and maintaining cacao trees, to the proper fermentation and drying of cacao beans to achieve better quality.

Collaboration and sharing of knowledge among cacao farmers are essential in strengthening the Philippine cacao industry. By exchanging experiences, techniques, and best practices, we contribute together toward the attainment of our country’s cacao development roadmap. 🌱🍫

11/05/2026

09/05/2026

🌱🍫 A successful seminar and chocolate tasting experience was held yesterday at our farm, conducted by Ronee De Guzman a New York based IICCT Level 2 chocolate taster. Entitled “From the Tree to Bean to Chocolate,” the event gathered cacao farmers, personnel from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), as well as distinguished guests including Mayor Raymund Uy and his wife Mrs. Angeline Uy, and City Agriculturist Engr. Techie Pagunsan.

During the seminar, Mr. De Guzman shared chocolates from different parts of the world and guided participants through a chocolate tasting journey, allowing them to discover the diverse flavor notes influenced by origin and processing methods. 🍫✨

The discussion also highlighted how terroir — the environment, soil, climate, and farming practices — greatly influences cacao and chocolate flavor. In line with this, our farm manager, Osme Tajo, demonstrated the different organic fertilizers we produce and use in the farm, including nutrient-rich vermicast produced by African night crawlers and compost fertilizers made through our rotary composter system. 🌱♻️

The event was not only an educational experience but also a celebration of sustainable cacao farming, quality post-harvest practices, and the growing appreciation for fine Philippine cacao and chocolate. 🇵🇭🍫Ny Travelerrdg De Guzman

04/05/2026

🌱🍫 At Apoy Benit’s Cacao Agricultural Farming, we make our own organic fertilizers to keep our cacao trees healthy and productive.

✅ Vermicast 🪱 – nutrient-rich castings from African nightcrawlers
✅ Bio-Foliar Fertilizer 🌊🐟 – made from seaweeds, fish, and molasses (ready in ~2 months)
✅ Fast Compost ♻️ – ready in just 7 days using:
• Banana trunks 🍌
• Madre de cacao leaves & branches 🌿
• Dried cacao pods 🍫
• Carabao manure 🐃

🔄 Our 1-ton rotary composter produces 1,000 kilos of healthy compost fertilizer in one week.

🌍 Organic, affordable, and sustainable—good for the trees and good for the soil.