In a significant step toward empowering local cacao farmers and reshaping the landscape of chocolate production in the Cordillera, the Cacao Growers and Processors Tublay Association (CGaPTA) has officially received cutting-edge equipment from Saint Louis University (SLU) through a formal Equipment Transfer Agreement. This agreement, signed on 01 September 2025, marked an important milestone in the association’s journey toward innovation, sustainability, and market competitiveness.
The transfer included two essential machines: a state-of-the-art Godel-Melanger Premier Chocolate Refiner and a high-performance Bean Grinder. These tools are more than just equipment; they represent new opportunities for efficiency, quality, and creativity in local cacao processing. With these machines, CGaPTA members can refine cacao beans into smoother chocolate, elevate product standards, and position their creations to compete in wider artisanal and premium chocolate markets.
A Sweet Start: Workshop in Cacao Grinding and Refining
To celebrate this milestone, CGaPTA representatives, together with SLU’s extension project members, faculty of the School of Accountancy, Management, Computing and Information Studies (SAMCIS) and School of Advanced Studies (SAS), organized an interactive workshop centered on cacao grinding and refining. The activity went beyond technical demonstrations—it was a hands-on experience where local farmers and aspiring chocolatiers learned the fundamentals of chocolate-making. Participants practiced grinding cacao beans, refining them into rich chocolate, and molding them into delectable treats. For many, it was their first opportunity to explore the full journey from raw cacao to finished chocolate.
More importantly, the workshop became a venue for community-building. It fostered collaboration, strengthened relationships, and nurtured a shared sense of purpose among participants. “We aim to empower our farmers with the proper knowledge and skills,” said a representative from SLU’s School of Accountancy, Management, Computing and Information Studies (SAMCIS). “With these new machines and the training provided, we are confident that CGaPTA will thrive, turning locally-grown cacao into a sought-after, delicious niche product of Tublay, Benguet.”
Partnership for Progress and Sustainability
This initiative highlights SLU’s deep commitment to community engagement and sustainable development. By providing both equipment and training, the university ensures that farmers do not only gain access to technology but also the knowledge required to maximize its potential. The collaboration reflects a broader vision aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
It also resonates strongly with the CICM advocacy for integral human development, the CEAP JEEPGY values of ecology and engaged citizenship, and the Laudato Si goals of ecological conversion and sustainable livelihoods. This project is not just about producing chocolate—it is about fostering dignity, justice, and stewardship of creation.
Looking Ahead: A Taste of the Future
As CGaPTA members begin to use their new equipment, the possibilities for innovation in the local chocolate market are boundless. With enhanced product quality, the association is poised to tap into the growing demand for artisanal, fair-trade, and climate-friendly chocolates. This partnership demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration, creativity, and a shared vision for progress.
With SLU’s support and the passion of its members, the Cacao Growers and Processors Tublay Association is ready to make sweet strides in the cocoa industry, transforming Tublay’s locally-grown cacao into a symbol of pride, sustainability, and excellence. (Article by Leilani De Guzman and Jie Molino | Photos by SLU RISE Center)
