The Cagayan Valley Cacao Development Center (CVCDC) of Isabela State University (ISU) held its official launching and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the upgrading of Cacao Processing Equipment on September 22, 2025.

The upgrade, a collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) under the Shared Service Facilities (SSF) Program, aims to empower local cacao farmers and processors. With the support of additional state-of-the-art equipment, the Center hopes to improve product quality and boost the production of the region’s finest cacao.

For context, the DTI Shared Service Facilities (SSF) program offers Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) access to shared equipment, machinery, and tools at minimal cost, helping address technological gaps and production challenges in priority industries to boost productivity and competitiveness.

Implemented nationwide through public-private partnerships with cooperators such as NGOs, LGUs, and SUCs, the SSF project fosters a shared system of resources and expertise, with the goal of promoting inclusive growth and generating employment opportunities for MSMEs.