NEW LUCENA, Iloilo, chocolate lovers, and local farmers are celebrating a sweet milestone: the inauguration of the Bean to Bar Chocolate Processing Center. This state-of-the-art facility, dedicated to transforming raw cacao beans into fine chocolate, marks a new chapter for the town and the province.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was graced by key figures, including Dr. Louie S. Tirador, chairman of the POPA Agriculture Cooperative; Engr. Buen S. Mondejar, chairperson of RAFC VI; Iloilo Governor Arthur R. Defensor Jr; Iloilo Board Member June S. Mondejar Sr., and New Lucena Mayor Leicel Mondejar-Seville.
In Pursuit of A Dream
The journey of this facility is a story of perseverance and community effort.
The funding began with former Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. and was continued by his son, the current governor. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) supplied all the necessary equipment through the Shared Service Facility (SSF) program, while Mayor Seville led the construction efforts.
Initially launched in 2020, the project faced delays due to the pandemic.
However, the dream persisted, and this year, the factory finally reached completion.
Potential To Economy
On April 16, 2020, a chocolate-making training session was held, drawing 25 participants from POPA members and chocolate stakeholders across Panay, including Capiz, Aklan, Guimaras, and Iloilo.
During the inauguration, attendees enjoyed a factory tour, marveling at the advanced equipment and learning about the chocolate-making process from bean to bar.
Dr. Tirador and Governor Defensor Jr. spoke passionately about the potential of this facility to uplift the local economy. They emphasized how it not only brings fine chocolate to the market but also supports local cacao farmers by providing a steady demand for their produce.
Resilience
The cacao beans used in this facility are sourced from various POPA member farms across Panay.
This collaboration ensures a sustainable supply chain and boosts the livelihoods of many farming communities. The Bean to Bar facility stands as hope and progress, promising to elevate New Lucena’s economic landscape.
As operations are set to begin soon, there is a palpable sense of excitement. The equipment is ready, although some upgrades are planned for the future.
The inauguration signifies not just the start of chocolate production but also the sweet success of community collaboration and resilience.
A Bright Future
The Bean to Bar Chocolate Processing Center is not just a factory; it’s a symbol of local pride and the power of unity. It’s a testament to the vision of leaders and the hard work of farmers.
As we look forward to savoring the fine chocolates produced here, we also celebrate the bright future it promises for New Lucena and the entire province of Iloilo.
So, next time you enjoy a piece of fine chocolate from New Lucena, remember the journey it took—from the hands of dedicated farmers to the state-of-the-art facility—and savor not just the taste, but the story behind it.
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