LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — Dolores Ortega of Conner, Apayao secured a notable position as one of the top three winners in the 70% dark chocolate bar-making competition during the 1st Cordillera Chocolate Festival held at Benguet State University (BSU) on February 14.
Ortega’s talent shone as she crafted chocolate using locally sourced cacao from their 20-hectare family estate in Conner.
Established by her father in 1994, the legacy of Ortega’s cocoa tablea continues to thrive, proof to their dedication and success in the industry.
Themed “Generating Sustainable Cacao Value Chain,” the festival serves as a platform to showcase the collection of chocolate products crafted by entrepreneurs and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the Cordillera region. Beyond indulging in mouthwatering treats, the event highlights the important strides made by the cacao industry in the area, stressing the vital support needed from relevant governmental bodies.
Initiated by Benguet Chocolate Queen Eva Ritchelle Padua, CEO of Dulce Chocolate Inc., the Cordillera Chocolate Festival fosters unity and innovation within the cacao community. It provides a dynamic space for farmers and processors to converge, develop business opportunities, and create connections vital for the industry’s growth.
More than a celebration, the festival embodies a fusion of harmony, creativity, and the sweet taste of success, capturing the growing potential of the chocolate industry in the Cordilleras. By Maureen Legaspi
