Davao del Norte lies within Mindanao, the centre of the Philippines’ modern cacao sector. Its warm tropical climate, regular rainfall and established agricultural communities provide favourable conditions for cacao which is cultivated alongside coconut, banana and other crops under maintained shade cover. The beans are supplied through a cooperative with more than 1,000 farmer members. This strong organisational base provides the capacity to coordinate production, consolidate volumes and support consistent quality management across its supply network. The cooperative brings together farming families from several communities, including members of the B’laan, Dibabawon, Ata-Manobo and Bagobo indigenous groups. Their participation connects the cacao with the agricultural knowledge, cultural heritage and rural livelihoods of Mindanao’s diverse communities.