the knowledge on how to plant and harvest for cocoa. Currently, they are making steady efforts to compete with other cocoa producers. The Philippine government is preparing for the cocoa shortage by the year 2020 and aims to increase production to 100,000 Metric Tons. Although the Philippines is failing to meet the local demand of 30,000 Metric Tons, the strong effort and government support is sure to make an impact in years to come. Cocoa production in the Philippines In the Philippines, cacao or cocoa beans are produced in many locations. These include Luzon, Mindanao, Joló, Basilan, Panay, Negros, Cebú, Bohol, Masbate and many more. Cocoa also refers to cocoa powder and cocoa butter, which are two by-products of the cacao bean after it has undergone processing. Cocoa and chocolate processing was first introduced in the country by Commonwealth Foods Inc. (ComFoods) in 1953, while Serg's Chocolate Products Inc. became the first modern chocolate manufacturing plant in Southeast Asia. Process Planting and farming For planting cacao in the Philippines, there are currently nine registered and approved varieties by the National Seed Industry of the Council of the Bureau of Plant Industry. These are based on high productivity, quality of the bean, consumer acceptability and resistance to pests and diseases. Soil requirements include good soil structure, which is deep and well-drained, but with sufficient water-holding capacity. Clay loam soil with an aggregate of sand, silt and clay work best due to its large pore spaces which "promote aeration, drainage, and moisture retention". Organic matter in the surface layer or soil is also important to cacao growth so the soil must be well-shaded to preserve the organic layer. Ideal rainfall and climate on the other hand is between 1,250 and 3,000 mm per annum, 1,500 to 2,000 mm in the dry season of not more than three months, and a temperature of . This suitable temperature can be found in altitudes up to 700 meters or in areas between 300 and 1,200 meters above sea level. Because Cacao prefers a moisture-laden atmosphere, a climate of evenly distributed rainfall and few winds are ideal. After the seeds are selected carefully from highly productive trees which pest-free and disease-free, seeds are planted immediately either "at stake", controlled seed beds, pots, or nurseries before they are transplanted to plantations. When field soils are forest land with good organic matter, tillage is not necessary. However, if