Davao City – The Department of Labor and Employment Davao Region recently released ₱1,000,000.00 assistance for tableya and chocolate production.

Artes de San Vicente Chairperson Ma. Leah Bernales received the check from Chief Erlinda G. Mamitag, DOLE Davao City Field Office.

Chief Mamitag said, “Artes is a DOLE accredited co-partner that has levelled up its status from an association to a cooperative. The cooperative started with Vicente Heights Subdivision residents as members. They began with garments production being a recipient of various sewing, embroidery, and printing equipment as livelihood assistance.”

Artes Chairperson Bernales said, “With increasing demands, we welcomed members from neighboring communities as workers. As the cooperative grew, we desired to increase our productivity, generate more employment opportunities, and widen our market reach so we ventured into cacao production.”

As a multi-sectoral cooperative, they coordinated with cacao farmers in Paquibato District, Davao City and made them part of the tableya and chocolate making project.  

DOLE XI Regional Director Ofelia B. Domingo said, “just recently, Agriculture Secretary William Dar officially declared Davao City as the Cacao Capital of the Philippines which makes Artes’ livelihood request more relevant. It’s a privilege for the Department to be of help to them most especially to our cacao farmers.”

By: Kim Salvaña. Labor Communications Officer, DOLE XI

with reports from: Chelsi Tabenas, DOLE Davao City