Over 1,000 sweet-tooth and chocolate enthusiasts all over the country gathered virtually during the “Science of Chocolate” webinar organized by the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office XI (DOST XI) last 3 November 2021 via Zoom and Facebook Live.
Participants ranging from students, teachers, government employees, entrepreneurs, as well as chocolate enthusiasts from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao have listened intently to this one-hour chocolaty webinar treat that talked about chocolates.
DOST chocolatier/consultant and Department of Science and Technology-Bohol (DOST-Bohol) Director Vina R. Antopina shared her knowledge on the science behind chocolate making, from the ingredients and common terminologies to the processing techniques, physical and chemical properties, and scientific principles.
She also discussed the production and monitoring steps in the preparation of the dry cacao bean to its tablea bar form. She even tackled the importance of packaging and the various packaging materials used for chocolate bars.
“I find it very timely because Davao was recently declared as the Philippine’s chocolate capital,” shared Antopina. “I know that there are a lot of seasoned and newbie chocolate makers and chocolatiers in town who offer chocolates in various shapes, textures, and even colors.” She added.
On May 27, 2021, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 115471 declaring Davao City as the "Chocolate Capital of the Philippines” and the entire Davao Region as the country’s “Cacao Capital.” With its competitive advantage due to its location and climate, the law recognized the city's reputation as the country's top cacao producer and its contribution in the rural development by boosting export earnings and providing livelihoods to farmers and producers.
“Start learning now and never stop learning. Join free webinars and online chocolate classes. If the talent is not fit but the interest is there, you hire talented people. Always remember that if it can be imagined, it can be done,” Antopina underscored.
The Science of Chocolate webinar was one of the various activities and events conducted by DOST XI during its 2021 Regional Science and Technology Week celebration last November 3-5, 2021.
