Three Proud Cacao Farmers

Three men shared a dream. One – a seasoned educator and scholar, second – a lawyer and a photographer, third – scientist and a doctor. These are the minds behind bringing the legacy of Lavezares, Northern Samar to the world through chocolate.

The first is Dr. Pedro Destura, a great influence to his sons as they grew up tending and cultivating the land. He is a respected member of the community in Lavezares not only because of his skill to connect and inspire people to make great things possible in agriculture (he is currently an Agricultural Consultant in Northern Samar) but also because of how he had taken care of the people who work with him through the years. Everyday, the farmers of Cacao Lavezares are witness to his diligence as a farmer and this, in turn, bore the fruit of abundance for the family and their farmers.

“A good cacao farmer is one who is rooted in traditon, but is also innovative.”

The second is Atty. Marlo Destura a seasoned lawyer who held many positions within the private and government agencies. But behind his chosen profession, he also nurtured within him a deep love for the land.

“When I was a kid growing up in Lavezares, I will always go afer my grandfather whenever he goes to the farm. I knew one day that I will also become a farmer one day. A farmer who is rooted in traditon but is alsoinnovatve,” he said.

Aside from his keen interest in farming practices and methods, he also applies his eye for detail through a camera, choosing people in their everyday life and labour as subjects. And now we have the scientist and doctor who’s love for science is only rivalled by his love for good food and travel. As a prominent scientist, Dr. Raul Destura has received many awards and grants both local and international. But his greatest achievement so far is the invention of his dengue kit, an invention that he hopes would help many people from far flung areas. Despite his busy schedule as both doctor and scientist, he knew just like his father and brother that cacao farming is a tradition worth pursuing. With consultation with the whole family, Dr. Destura ventured into one of his most ambitious projects – a cacao company. These three proud cacao farmers have envisioned Cacao Lavezares to how it is today – an endeavour that will bring Lavezares, Northern Samar to the world stage – and with them the lives of many cacao farmers as well.