“We have an abundance of cacao beans here in the Philippines, so I saw the potential to create a high-quality, Filipino-made product that can compete with others.”
CHOCOLATE is more than just a sweet treat — it represents hope and opportunity for Edison Caoile, a former Filipino overseas worker (OFW) from Lingayen, Pangasinan, who returned home and founded Chocomaker.ph.
Edison Caoile
works as a pastry
chef specializing in
chocolate-making
in the Middle East
for 12 years before
deciding it was
time to come home.
CONTRIBUTED
PHOTOS
Edison Caoile
works as a pastry
chef specializing in
chocolate-making
in the Middle East
for 12 years before
deciding it was
time to come home.
CONTRIBUTED
PHOTOS
Caoile worked as a pastry chef specializing in chocolate-making in the Middle East for 12 years before deciding it was time to come home.
Determined to create world-class chocolate products using locally sourced ingredients, he started his own home-based business.
While Caoile focuses on crafting chocolates, his wife handles the packaging, ensuring each product is wrapped with care.
Edison Caoile
works as a pastry
chef specializing in
chocolate-making
in the Middle East
for 12 years before
deciding it was
time to come home.
CONTRIBUTED
PHOTOS
With his expertise in turning cacao beans into delicious treats — from chocolate-flavored polvoron, spreads and pure tablea to cakes and other goodies — Caoile found a sweet spot in Pangasinan’s growing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector.
“We have an abundance of cacao beans here in the Philippines, so I saw the potential to create a high-quality, Filipino-made product that can compete with others,” Caoile told the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
Edison Caoile
works as a pastry
chef specializing in
chocolate-making
in the Middle East
for 12 years before
deciding it was
time to come home.
CONTRIBUTED
PHOTOS
Edison Caoile
Founder
Chocomaker.ph
Overcoming challenges
Despite the strong demand for chocolate products, Caoile faced a major challenge: the inconsistent supply of cacao beans, as large corporations buy in bulk.
Determined to succeed, he sought government support through programs that empower MSMEs.
With the help of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Pangasinan, he registered his products and secured a patent, ensuring his brand’s legitimacy and market competitiveness.
“DTI assisted us with our product label registration and patenting. Now we have a license that is [valid] for 10 years,” Caoile said.
Through DTI-organized trade fairs and the Department of Agriculture’s Kadiwa ng Pangulo program, Caoile was able to showcase and sell his products directly to consumers.
The Department of Science and Technology also supported his business, guiding him in applying for a license to operate and understanding nutrition facts labeling.
“Government programs are a huge help. Having this kind of support is a big deal for small entrepreneurs like us,” he said, expressing gratitude to the government’s comprehensive assistance that helped his business.
A growing business
Currently, Chocomaker.ph sells its products through Kadiwa ng Pangulo and DTI trade fairs, but customers can also order through their Facebook page or visit their store in Lingayen, Pangasinan.
Today, Chocomaker.ph continues to thrive, providing a sustainable livelihood for Caoile’s family while inspiring other returning OFWs to explore business opportunities back home.
For him, every cacao bean he grinds is a reminder that with passion, perseverance and government support, local entrepreneurs can grow their businesses and create world-class products — proudly made in Lingayen. PIA
****
KEY TAKEAWAYS
World-class ambition: Edison Caoile’s goal is to create high-quality, Filipino-made chocolate products using locally sourced cacao beans, seeing significant potential in the local market.
Diverse product range: Chocomaker.ph offers various cacao-based products, including chocolate-flavored polvoron, spreads, pure tablea, cakes and other treats.
Overcoming challenge: Despite initial challenges like inconsistent cacao bean supply due to bulk purchases by large corporations, Caoile sought and received crucial government assistance.
Key government agencies involved:
Department of Trade and Industry — Assisted with product label registration and patenting, ensuring legitimacy and competitiveness. Also facilitated participation in trade fairs.
Department of Agriculture — Supported through the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program for direct sales to consumers.
Department of Science and Technology — Provided guidance on obtaining a license to operate and understanding nutrition facts labeling.
Gratitude for government assistance: Caoile emphasized the significant help government programs provide to small entrepreneurs.
Business growth and accessibility: Chocomaker.ph sells products through government programs (Kadiwa ng Pangulo, DTI trade fairs), its Facebook page and its physical store in Lingayen.
Inspiration for other OFWs: The business serves as a sustainable livelihood for Caoile’s family and aims to inspire other returning OFWs to pursue local business opportunities.
Core message: The story highlights that with passion, perseverance and government support, local entrepreneurs can build successful businesses and produce world-class Filipino products.
Be the first to comment