Cacao at Niyog, Hatid ay Asensong Malusog

As part of the Rotary Club of Marikina Valley’s “7-in-1 High Impact Project,” and in partnership with the Agriculture Department of the Municipality of San Mateo, the program “Cacao at Niyog, Hatid ay Asensong Malusog” promotes inclusive and sustainable community growth by introducing an intercropping method that integrates cacao and coconut. These two crops work great together, both economically and ecologically. 

How does this sustain livelihood and promote environmental conservation, you might ask. The answer to that is that the CaCaoNut Program is very innovative in the sense that it introduces an intercropping method that combines cacao and coconut within a single production system. Through this method, the productivity of land massively increases, along with strengthening the livelihood of our farmers. Furthermore, this approach also helps in diversifying the income streams of the farmers, improves the fertility of the soil, reduces the risk of erosion, and helps with climate adaptability. 

Moreover, this project also comes with its economic development component. To support and give foundation to economic upliftment, the Rotary Club of Marikina Valley initiated the donation of the 300 cacao seedlings. This allows the local farmers to start using the method of intercropping coconut and cacao. Through an initial donation, cacao trees were distributed to farmers in Purok 3, which consisted of about one hundred farmers who benefited from the first rollout.

However, this is not a “one-time, big time” donation. We actually have a long-term goal in mind, and that is to make this a continuing project with the intention to reach and support the entire Pintong Bukawe Farmers Association with about three hundred members. With this mindset, we would ensure a wider livelihood impact in the years to come. It is important to note that this is not made on empty promises, as this long-term continuity has already been agreed upon by both the President-Elect, President-Nominee and future leaders of the club. This solidifies the project’s sustainability not just within this rotary year but beyond. 

Now, why Pintong Bukawe? We found Pintong Bukawe as the ideal location for this since it has a mountainous yet highly arable terrain. It has rich soil, receives abundant rainfall, and has already established coconut trees. With all of these elements combined, it would make a perfect environment for cacao development. Moreover, the presence of an organized farmers' association greatly helps with the feasibility and sustainability of the program. This benefits the community in a multitude of ways. First, it introduces high-value crops with relatively high and strong domestic and international demand. Second, it helps train our farmers and equip them with skills that would increase their yield and yield quality. Third, it adds opportunities for farmers to add more value to their crops and connects them with cooperatives or corporations for better profits. Lastly, it helps the environment through reforestation, erosion control, carbon sequestration, and community greening. 

The integration of “Cacao at Niyog, Hatid ay Asensong Malusog” within the ambit of Community Economic Development reflects an integrated approach to nation-building. This combines conserving the environment, promoting sustainable farming methods, and fostering economic development. 

This initiative embodies the shared goal of the Municipality of San Mateo and the Rotary Club of Marikina Valley, which is to build self-reliant, eco-friendly, and economically empowered communities where every tree planted becomes a seed of progress and every harvest a symbol of hope. 

Written by: GP Andy Alcantara & DDS Amy Alcantara, RC Marikina Valley