WELCOME TO ISABELA! 
Delegates from the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) headed by His Excellency Wallace Minn-Gan Chow, Ambassador of Taiwan to the Philippines, visited the Isabela State University (ISU) on February 19 to tour and explore the Cagayan Valley Cacao Processing Center (CVCPC).
The visit of the said ambassador is part of their efforts to present and discuss agricultural, business, and economic opportunities with Taiwan, with an initial assessment on the feasibility of establishing the Taiwan Technical Mission Demonstration Farm in the Province of Isabela.
The goal of the establishment is to introduce Taiwan’s agricultural technology and know-how to the people of the Philippines by working with local farmer associations and corporations; and extend the benefits of the first-established technical mission demonstration farm in Tarlac City.
Joining Ambassador Chow is MME Tai Tayi Shan-Chow (Spouse of Ambassador Chow), Irene Yao Ling Wang (First Secretary of TECO), Hon. Silvestro H. Bello III (Chairman of Manila Economic and Cultural Office), Renato Ebario (Vice Chairman of MECO), Lucia Yap (Secretary of MECO), Hon. Rodolfo T. Albano III (Governor of Province of Isabela), Hon. Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III (Vice Governor of Province of Isabela), and Joanne D. Maranan (Provincial Tourism Officer).
During their visit to the University, the delegates from TECO were received and had a tree planting activity with ISU officials headed by Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino (University President of ISU) at the old College of Agriculture (CA) site.
Afterwards, the CVCPC showcased its facilities which are geared towards producing quality cacao processed products and by-products. Some of the equipment available at the CVCPC includes: Cacao Pod Husk Mill Machine, Cacao Bean Roaster, Ovens for cooking Choco-nut Crispy Cookies, and Dehydrator for making Cacao Pod Husk Flour and Powder.
Aside from the CVCPC, the itinerary of the delegates from TECO also covered the Sagittarius Agricultural Philippines, Inc., Charoen Pokphand Foods Phils., and Mr. Moo’s Dairy Farm and Processing Center among others, all of which are geared towards the possibilities of partnerships in agricultural modernization.