A cacao farmer from this city is among the three selected to represent the Philippines in the prestigious Cacao of Excellence program next year in Paris, France, the Department of Agriculture (DA) 11 (Davao Region) announced Tuesday.

David Christopher Delaserna of Tugbok District was chosen as one of the three finalists out of 29 cacao bean entries submitted nationwide for the Philippine Cacao Quality Award (PCQA).

The other two representatives are Bayani Garcia of Barangay Bagakay in Barili, Cebu, and Osmeña C. Tajo of Barangay Dagum in Calbayog City, Samar.

Marie Ann Constantino, DA-11 technical director for operations, said the PCQA highlights the region’s and the country’s excellence in cacao production on the local, national, and international levels.

“Go for gold is this year’s theme, as the Philippines aims at garnering multiple golds at the Cacao of Excellence 2025 and surpassing the achievements made in 2021,” Constantino said.

In 2021, three entries from the Philippines were recognized among the 50 Best Beans in the World, with two farmers winning gold awards and one receiving silver.

The biennial Cacao of Excellence competition aims to position Philippine cacao as a global standard for bean quality, promote sustainable farming practices, and empower local cacao-producing communities. (PNA)