DTI Samar

𝐃𝐓𝐈 𝐒𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐑 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐒 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐊𝐄𝐄𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐂 𝐀𝐂𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐅𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐎𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐓𝐀. 𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐀, 𝐒𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐑

STA. RITA, SAMAR — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Samar recently conducted a Training on Bookkeeping and Basic Accounting for members of the Binanalan and Sitio Hitaas Farmers Association at the Covered Court of Brgy. Binanalan, Sta. Rita, Samar, and for the Ormocanay Small Water Impounding Farmers Association at Sitio Ormocanay, Barangay Inobongan, Sta. Rita, Samar.

The activity was conducted upon the request of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Provincial Fisheries Office as part of the Social Preparation Component under the SAAD Phase II Program aimed at strengthening community-based organizations through capability-building initiatives.

Facilitated by ARLENE GARCIA-MOSQUERA, Negosyo Center – Trade Industry Development Analyst (NC-TIDA) of DTI-Samar, the training provided participants with practical knowledge and skills on proper bookkeeping practices, recording financial transactions, and understanding basic accounting principles essential for effective organizational and financial management.

Participants were also guided on the importance of maintaining accurate financial records, monitoring income and expenses, and promoting transparency and accountability within their associations to support sustainability and long-term growth.

Through collaborative efforts with partner agencies, DTI Samar continues to empower local organizations and communities by providing relevant entrepreneurial and financial literacy interventions that contribute to inclusive and sustainable development.

𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗯𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗴 𝗖𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 “𝗖𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗼 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆” 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴

Calbayog City, Samar – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Samar Provincial Office participated in the “Cacao Journey: From Tree to Bean to Bar” Training and Chocolate Tasting held on May 9, 2026 at Apoy Benit’s Cacao Agricultural Farming in Calbayog City.

The activity highlighted the success of Apoy Benit’s Farm, which recently received a Silver Award at the Cacao of Excellence Awards in Amsterdam, placing its cacao beans among the Top 50 best cacao beans in the world.

Organized in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Calbayog City, the City Agriculture Office, and local cacao farmers, the event showcased award winning fermentation techniques and sustainable farming practices that continue to elevate the quality of Calbayog cacao to international standards.

During the activity, Mr. Vicente L. Candido OIC-BDD Chief of DTI Samar expressed appreciation to Apoy Benit’s for inviting DTI Samar to participate in the event. He emphasized the strong market potential of cacao and shared hopes of further positioning Samar as a recognized cacao producing province. He also reaffirmed DTI Samar’s support for local cacao growers and cacao based products from local producers.

Meanwhile, Mayor Raymund “Monmon” C. Uy highlighted the importance of supporting cacao farmers and strengthening agricultural innovation. He emphasized that the international recognition received by Apoy Benit’s proves that Calbayog cacao is world class and reflects the City Government’s commitment to empowering farmers, expanding market opportunities, and promoting sustainable livelihoods.

The activity also featured Mr. Ronee De Guzman and Ms. Grace De Guzman, owners of Cacao, Coffee and Tea from New York and certified chocolate educators and IICCT Level 2 Certified Tasters. During the discussion, Mr. De Guzman remarked that “the real chocolate is in the Philippines,” recognizing the country’s potential in producing premium quality cacao.

Participants experienced the full cacao journey, from cultivation and fermentation to chocolate tasting, inspiring local farmers to adopt best practices and pursue excellence in cacao production.

Through initiatives like this, DTI Samar continues to support the development of the local cacao industry by promoting product quality, innovation, and market opportunities for Samaranon farmers and producers.