Manila, Feb. 17 -- The City Agriculturist Office (CAgro) will distribute 50,000 cacao seedlings to local farmers this year.

CAgro cacao focal person Fe Oguio said Monday that the seedlings, obtained from the Department of Agriculture, will be distributed before the end of the second quarter.

The program was strengthened because of high demand and prices, she said.

"We have identified organizations to receive the seedlings," she said. "Our target is to surpass the 25,000 seedlings given last year."

Only 25,000 seedlings were distributed last year because of low production caused by extreme heat from El Nino, Oguio said.

She urged farmers to grow cacao.

"They should seize the opportunity while prices are high," Oguio said, noting that...