To strengthen local agriculture and expand livelihood opportunities for farmer-beneficiaries, Taganito Mining Corporation (TMC) turned over 5,000 cacao seedlings to the Municipal Government of Claver through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing held at Panatao Ecopark on January 8, 2026.
Leading the turnover were Claver Mayor Georgia Gokiangkee and TMC management, headed by Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Resident Mine Manager Artemio Valeroso.
They were joined by Mine Environment Protection and Enhancement Office Manager Diane Zaportiza, Land Resource and Development Section Head Charesma Exclamado, Community Relations Manager Mark Vincent Junel Felias, as well as representatives from the Municipal Agriculture Office and farmer-beneficiaries from stakeholder barangays.
In his message, Valeroso expressed optimism about cacao as a high-value crop and said TMC committed to supporting the initiative after learning of farmers’ interest in expanding cacao production.
“I look forward to the day when we can proudly say that we are part of Claver’s cacao plantation, with locally grown cacao eventually being distributed across the country and overseas,” Valeroso said.
He underscored the role of responsible mining companies as partners in community development, noting cacao farming can provide sustainable income for farmers within three to five years.
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Gokiangkee welcomed the initiative as a timely boost to Claver’s agricultural sector at the start of the year and thanked TMC for its continued partnership in creating livelihood opportunities for local communities.
She recalled earlier cacao plantings in the municipality showed promising growth but were later affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastation caused by Typhoon Odette, emphasizing the need to revitalize the program.
She added the LGU has conducted site assessments in several barangays to identify suitable areas for cacao expansion, highlighting the importance of collaboration among farmers, the local government and private partners to ensure the project’s success.
“Karon, kinahanglan nato bangonon pag-usab ang atong cacao,” Gokiangkee said, citing strong global demand for cacao and chocolate.
Known globally as the “food of the gods,” cacao is a high-value crop widely used in the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. With strong and growing market demand, cacao production presents a promising driver of inclusive and sustainable economic growth for Claver.
