Published August 20, 2025 by The Campus Information Officer
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LASAM, Cagayan — Cagayan State University–Lasam (CSU-Lasam) and Barangay Magsaysay have formally sealed partnership for the launch of “Cacaowan sa Bawat Tahanan,” a program that seeks to empower cacao growers and strengthen cacao production in the municipality. The signing ceremony and community activities were held on August 20, 2025 at Barangay Magsaysay, Lasam, Cagayan.
๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ฌ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ก๐จ๐จ๐
The program commenced with a tree-growing activity, where CSU officials, barangay leaders, and household representatives planted seedlings as living symbols of growth, resilience, and sustainability. The initiative underscored the shared vision of nurturing cacao as both an environmental and economic resource for the community.
๐๐จ๐ข๐๐๐ฌ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ
Barangay Captain Hon. Antonio S. Genobebe formally welcomed the participants, highlighting unity as the foundation of the program, which was followed by Dr. Bernard P. Madarang, Campus Extension Coordinator, who laid out the rationale, stressing the potential of cacao as a sustainable livelihood.
Representing CEO Prof. Florante Victor M. Balatico, PhD, Asst. Prof. John Carlo L. Banan, PhD highlighted the program as a symbol of wisdom from research, strength from community unity, and beauty from cacao’s lasting benefits.
Meanwhile, Carmelita P. Rivera, Municipal Agricultural Officer, discussed the environmental and economic advantages of cacao farming, noting its potential to improve both households and the wider community.
“Gawin nating kabuhayan itong cacao. Mangrugi tayu dijay balbalay tayu nu awan pay kadatayu ti imula tayu. Haan laeng apu nga jay benepisyo nga maala tayu dijay bunga, nu di ketdi mangted pay ti buya iti daytuy arubayan,” Rivera stated.
๐๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ
The centerpiece of the event was the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between CSU Lasam and Barangay Magsaysay, formally launching the Cacaowan sa Bawat Tahanan program. The initiative aims to integrate cacao cultivation into households, fostering livelihood opportunities while advancing environmental stewardship.
Barangay and community representatives, including Mr. Mark Jolan D. Pascua, SK Chairperson; Mr. Joey D. Genobebe, Farmers Association President; and Mrs. Melvin D. Aguilar, Household Representative, affirmed their support through a message of commitment, expressing optimism about the program’s long-term impact.
๐๐จ๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐
๐จ๐ซ๐ฐ๐๐ซ๐
The event concluded with the signing of the pledge of commitment and the distribution of cacao seedlings to barangay and household representatives, symbolizing the first steps toward household-based cacao production.#