16/10/2026
𝐄𝐌𝐁 𝐂𝐀𝐑 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐓𝐈 𝐂𝐀𝐑 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 "𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐢 𝐀𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐭: 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐭𝐨𝐤 𝐂𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐨 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐂𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐨 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧"
The Environmental Management Bureau – Cordillera Administrative Region (EMB-CAR), in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry – Cordillera Administrative Region (DTI-CAR), successfully conducted the “Panagtaginayon ti Amin ay Paset: Cacao Leaves Fossilization Training for Atok Cacao Growers and Processors” on October 14–15, 2026, in Naguey, Atok, Benguet.
The two-day training aimed to introduce cacao growers and processors in Atok to an innovative, value-adding activity through cacao leaves fossilization, a process that transforms cacao leaves into durable and marketable decorative products. Through this initiative, participants were introduced to opportunities to diversify their product offerings, maximize the potential of cacao leaves, reduce their reliance on fruit harvests as a primary source of income, and promote more sustainable cacao farming practices.
The activity began with Ms. Necy F. Calawa of the DTI Baguio-Benguet – Negosyo Center Atok, who shared the rationale behind the training and emphasized the importance of developing value-added products to support local enterprises and livelihood opportunities. Hon. Junjun L. Esnara, Barangay Kagawad of Naguey, Atok, also warmly welcomed the participants and partner agencies, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in supporting community development. Ms. Grace I. Solano, Section Chief of EMB CAR’s Ambient Monitoring Section (AMS) also discussed about Upper Amburayan River System and the role of the community in the river’s protection.
For the training proper, Ms. Edna B. Norial, a cacao grower and owner of Love Nature Farm Products Manufacturing, served as the resource speaker and trainer. Drawing from her experience in cacao farming and product development, she guided the participants through the process of cacao leaves fossilization and facilitated hands-on workshops on creating various products, including lampshades, hanging decors, earrings, bouquets, and corsages.
Through the practical sessions, participants gained knowledge and skills in transforming cacao leaves into creative and potentially marketable products, demonstrating how agricultural materials can be utilized beyond their conventional purpose. The activity also highlighted the potential of resourcefulness and innovation in creating additional livelihood opportunities for local cacao growers and processors.
Beyond livelihood development, the initiative underscores the importance of inter-agency collaboration and partnerships with the private sector in promoting environmental conservation alongside community economic development. By equipping residents with alternative skills and livelihood opportunities, the training supports efforts to strengthen local livelihoods while encouraging responsible environmental practices, particularly among communities situated along the Upper Amburayan River.
This initiative demonstrates how sustainable livelihood development and environmental protection can complement each other. By encouraging the productive use of available agricultural resources, communities can explore additional sources of income while strengthening their role in environmental stewardship.
As a background, the Municipality of Atok is part of the Upper Amburayan River System, making the protection and sustainable management of its water resources an important environmental priority. The Upper Amburayan River was classified as Class “B” freshwaters in 1994, pursuant to Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 34, Series of 1990, or the Revised Water Usage and Classification/Water Quality Criteria Amending Sections 68 and 69, Chapter III of the 1978 National Pollution Control Commission (NPCC) Rules and Regulations. Subsequently, the Upper Amburayan River was designated as a Water Quality Management Area (WQMA) through DAO 2018-02 on January 26, 2018.
A Water Quality Management Area (WQMA) refers to a designated area established to facilitate the effective protection and management of water quality. It promotes coordinated efforts among government agencies, local government units, communities, and other stakeholders to prevent and control water pollution, maintain water quality, and protect water resources for present and future generations.
Through “Panagtaginayon ti Amin ay Paset,” EMB-CAR and DTI-CAR reaffirm the importance of collective action in creating livelihood opportunities while advancing environmental stewardship. The initiative demonstrates how collaboration, skills development, and innovation can empower local communities to explore alternative sources of income while supporting the sustainable management of the Upper Amburayan River System.
Moving forward, the challenge is to translate the knowledge and skills gained from the training into practical livelihood opportunities and sustained environmental responsibility. By embracing innovation, maximizing available resources, and working together, cacao growers and processors can contribute to stronger local enterprises and more environmentally conscious communities.
Sustainable livelihoods and environmental protection go hand in hand. Through collective action, let us turn local resources into opportunities, empower communities through innovation, and strengthen our shared commitment to protecting the Upper Amburayan River for present and future generations.
📸✍️ 𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘺: 𝘌𝘌𝘐𝘜
