SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — A taste of Calbiga, Samar, has made its way to Australia as Quick Melt Tablea – Chocolate D’ Calbiga arrives in Sydney, bringing the rich flavor of locally produced Philippine cacao to Australian consumers.
Made from 100% pure cacao, Quick Melt Tablea is produced by the Calbiga Vegetables Growers Association (CVGA) in Barangay Macaalan, Calbiga, Samar. The product is processed in an FDA-compliant processing center, ensuring that the locally produced tablea meets established food safety and quality standards.
The arrival of Quick Melt Tablea in Sydney represents more than the introduction of a Filipino chocolate product overseas. It highlights the potential of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in rural communities to reach international markets and showcase the quality of Philippine agricultural products.
The processing and marketing development of Quick Melt Tablea has been supported through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agrarian Reform – Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (DAR-CARP), Local Government Unit of Calbiga, Department of Agriculture, and Negosyo Center.
Their support has helped strengthen the capacity of local producers, from cacao production and processing to product development and marketing.
The arrival of Quick Melt Tablea in Sydney is also part of the advocacy of AUSVisayan to promote and support Filipino micro, small and medium enterprises by creating opportunities for locally made products to reach consumers abroad.
For AUSVisayan, purchasing MSME products and bringing them to international markets means more than simply buying a product. It provides local producers with additional opportunities to earn, expand their businesses, sustain livelihoods and encourage more communities to develop and invest in local agricultural products.
“When we buy products made by our MSMEs and bring them abroad, we bring with us the hard work, creativity and aspirations of our local producers.” The initiative underscores the importance of supporting Philippine-made products and connecting community enterprises with the global Filipino community.
With Quick Melt Tablea now available in Sydney, Chocolate D’ Calbiga serves as another example of how products born in the communities of Eastern Visayas can find their place in international markets.
From Calbiga, Samar, to Sydney, Australia, Quick Melt Tablea carries with it not only the natural richness of 100% pure cacao, but also the story of Filipino farmers, community enterprise and the growing potential of Philippine MSMEs.
