Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc is giving the province’s homegrown chocolate some love, turning the spotlight on cacao growers in the upland town of Adams.
Manotoc is encouraged by how far the local product has come—and sees potential for it to reach a wider market.
“The chocolate from the Mountains of Adams, Ilocos Norte has been steadily improving but we look forward to progressing to the point of commerciality for our growers!” Manotoc shared.
Nestled in northern Ilocos Norte, Adams is a small indigenous community about half an hour uphill from Pancian in Pagudpud.
Known for its cool climate and lush forests, the secluded town has preserved a way of life closely tied to nature.
“Visiting Adams is like entering a beautiful time machine: to a simpler, slower time where nature seems to lead the people and age-old customs trump modernity.”
Many residents continue to live off what the land provides, carrying on customs passed down through generations.
Beyond Adams’ postcard-worthy scenery, Manotoc sees an opportunity to turn its cacao into a source of livelihood and growth.
Bringing the town’s chocolate to commercial scale could give local growers access to broader markets and create more opportunities for its indigenous farming communities.
