Amid the vibrant colors, music, and culture showcased at the festive celebration organized by the Embassy of the Philippines, something extraordinary was quietly unveiled — a bold and inspiring initiative by the HEE group: the launch of a revolutionary new chocolate concept called Gathering Chocolate.

More than just a treat for the palate, Gathering Chocolate tells a deeper story. It begins in the lush, biodiverse forests cared for by the Agta, an Indigenous community in the Philippines. There, cacao trees are being cultivated not through traditional monoculture farming, but using agroforestry principles — a harmonious, sustainable approach that blends agriculture with forest conservation. This method not only preserves the integrity of the natural ecosystem, but it also empowers the Agta as stewards of their ancestral lands.

In just 3 to 4 years, when these carefully nurtured cacao trees begin to bear fruit, the Agta will gain a new, sustainable source of income — one that is directly tied to protecting the environment. With every bar of Gathering Chocolate, consumers across the world will be supporting both Indigenous livelihoods and tropical forest conservation.

The project has already garnered strong political support. Swiss Senator Bernard Di enthusiastically endorsed the initiative, praising it as a model for future collaborations between nations, Indigenous communities, and environmental innovators. He pledged his full backing and hinted at more promising projects soon to follow — all designed to uplift the Agta and promote sustainable development rooted in cultural respect and ecological care.

This is more than chocolate. It’s a movement — and it’s only just beginning.