TESDA offers specialized courses in cacao processing and production, designed to equip individuals with the skills needed to thrive in the cacao industry. These programs cover a wide range of competencies, from cacao nursery operations and plantation establishment to post-harvest processing and product packaging. Whether you’re looking to master the art of fermenting and roasting cacao beans or learn how to grow and maintain cacao plants, these courses provide practical, hands-on training aligned with industry standards.
Also read: TESDA Grains Production NC II Course
With a strong focus on quality and safety, TESDA’s cacao courses integrate essential practices such as Food Safety Act compliance, Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), and environmental regulations. Participants also gain experience using basic food processing tools and equipment, ensuring they are prepared for real-world challenges. Perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs or farm operators managing small-scale plantations, these programs offer a pathway to success in cacao production and processing.
Benefits
Here are some of the benefits of taking these TESDA Cacao Production and Processing Courses:
- Skill Development: Gain specialized skills in cacao production and processing, from nursery operations to fermenting, drying, roasting, and packaging cacao products.
- Entrepreneurial Potential: Learn the full process of cacao production, enabling you to start your own cacao-based business, such as chocolate making or cacao farming.
- Industry Standards Knowledge: Acquire knowledge of food safety standards like HACCP, cGMP, and relevant environmental regulations, ensuring high-quality and compliant production.
- Versatility in Roles: Prepare for a variety of roles, from farm management and processing operations to quality control and product development.
- Practical Hands-On Training: Get experience with tools like salinometers, refractometers, and weighing scales, as well as techniques for sorting, grading, and packaging.
- Support Sustainable Agriculture: Learn modern and environmentally friendly practices for growing and maintaining cacao plants on small-scale farms.
- Contribute to a Growing Industry: Join the thriving global cacao market and help meet the increasing demand for high-quality cacao products.
Cacao Processing Level II
The Cacao Processing Level II Course by TESDA equips individuals with skills to process cacao beans, including fermentation, drying, sorting, roasting, grinding, mixing, and packaging. The course also covers food safety practices (Food Safety Act 2013, cGMP, HACCP, OSHS, 7S of Good Housekeeping) and adherence to environmental regulations. Participants will also learn basic mango processing tasks, quality inspection, and the use of food processing tools like salinometers, refractometers, and weighing scales.
Units of Competency
BASIC COMPETENCIES
- Participate in workplace communication
- Work in team environment
- Solve/address general workplace problems
- Develop career and life decisions
- Contribute to workplace innovation
- Present relevant information
- Practice occupational safety and health policies and procedures
- Exercise efficient and effective sustainable practices in the workplace
- Practice entrepreneurial skills in the workplace
COMMON COMPETENCIES
- Apply Food Safety and Sanitation
- Use Standard Measuring Devices and Instruments
- Use Food Processing Tools, Equipment, and Utensils
- Perform Mathematical Computation
- Implement Good Manufacturing Practice Procedure
- Implement Environmental Policies and Procedures
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Ferment Beans
- Dry the Beans
- Sort Beans
- Roast the Beans
- Crack and Winnow the Beans
- Grind the Nibs
- Mix the Cacao Paste/Liquor and Ingredients
- Package the Cacao Product
Job Opportunity
A person who meets this Competency Standard is qualified to be a Cacao Processor.
Cacao Production Level II
The Cacao Production Level II Qualification by TESDA covers the skills needed to manage cacao production. This includes establishing a cacao nursery and plantation, harvesting, preparing wet beans, fermenting, drying, sorting, grading, packing, storing dried beans, and selling cacao products.
Units of Competency
The Qualification encompasses the following Units of Competency:
BASIC COMPETENCIES
- Participate in workplace communication
- Work in team environment
- Solve/address general workplace problems
- Develop career and life decisions
- Contribute to workplace innovation
- Present relevant information
- Practice occupational safety and health policies and procedures
- Exercise efficient and effective sustainable practices in the workplace
- Practice entrepreneurial skills in the workplace
COMMON COMPETENCIES
- Apply safety measures in farm operations
- Use farm tools and equipment
- Perform estimation and basic calculation
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Perform nursery operation
- Plant cacao crops
- Care and maintain cacao plants
- Carry-out harvest and post-harvest operation
Job Opportunities
An individual who has obtained this Qualification is deemed competent to:
- Cacao Grower
- Cacao Nursery Operator
- Cacao Farmer
- Cacao Harvester
Cacao Production Level II (ABDD)
The Cacao Production Level II course by TESDA teaches the skills needed to work with cacao plants. It covers basic nursery operations, planting, growing, and maintaining cacao plants, as well as harvesting and post-harvest activities. The course focuses on cacao production from seedlings to harvesting, including managing small farms ranging from 1 to 5 hectares.
Units of Competency
The Units of Competency for this Qualification include:
Basic Competencies
- Participate in workplace communication
- Work in team environment
- Solve/address general workplace problems
- Develop career and life decisions
- Contribute to workplace innovation
- Present relevant information
- Practice occupational safety and health policies and procedures
- Exercise efficient and effective sustainable practices in the workplace
- Practice entrepreneurial skills in the workplace
Common Competencies
- Apply safety measures in farm operations
- Use farm tools and equipment
- Perform estimation and basic calculation
Core Competencies
- Perform nursery operation
- Plant cacao crops
- Care and maintain cacao plants
- Carry-out harvest and post-harvest operation
Job Opportunities
A person who has achieved this qualification is competent to be:
- Cacao Grower
- Cacao Nursery Operator
- Cacao Farmer
- Cacao Harvester
Requirements
To enroll in the course of your choice, you need to fulfill certain requirements. These include:
- PSA Birth Certificate
- High School or College Diploma
- Certified True Copy of Official Transcript of Records or Form 137
- Certificate of Good Moral Character or GMRC
- 1 x 1 and/or 2 x 2 pictures
Note: Specific requirements may vary by school. It’s recommended to contact the school for accurate information on required documents.
Sample of Certificate of Completion
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long is the training for TESDA’s Cacao Production and Processing courses?
A: The training duration varies depending on the specific course taken. Generally, it can range from a few days to several months.
2. Is there an age limit for taking these courses?
A: No, there is no age limit for taking TESDA Cacao Production and Processing courses. As long as the individual is physically and mentally capable of completing the training, they are welcome to enroll.
3. Can farmers or processors from different regions take these courses?
A: Yes, TESDA Cacao Production and Processing courses are open to all farmers and processors from different regions in the Philippines. These courses aim to promote sustainable cacao production and processing practices nationwide.
4. Will there be hands-on training included in these courses?
A: Yes, TESDA Cacao Production and Processing courses include hands-on training to provide participants with practical experience in cacao farming and processing. This will give them the necessary skills and knowledge to implement sustainable practices in their own farms or businesses.
5. Can these courses be taken online?
A: As of now, TESDA Cacao Production and Processing courses are not offered online. However, they may be available through distance learning programs in the future. Currently, interested individuals can inquire about on-site training centers near their location.
6. Are there any certification exams after completing these courses?
A: After completing the training, participants will take a Competency Assessment as prescribed by TESDA to evaluate their skills and knowledge. Upon passing this assessment, they will be awarded a National Certificate (NC) or Certificate of Competency (COC), which serves as a proof of their competency in cacao production and processing.
Also read: TESDA Vegetable Seed Production Level III Course
Summary
The Cacao Production and Processing Courses offered by TESDA provide individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to become successful cacao farmers and processors. These courses equip students with both theoretical understanding and practical application of cacao production and processing techniques. With the growing demand for high-quality cacao products, there is a need for skilled individuals in this field, offering graduates better job opportunities in the Philippines and abroad. Related topics include sustainable farming practices, agribusiness management, and value-adding techniques for cacao products, which focus on environmental protection, resource conservation, and ensuring long-term productivity and profitability of cacao farms.