BOHOL – Nestled in the lush, green landscapes of Calape, Bohol, ATBANG Farm Food Forest stands as a living testament to the power of women in sustainable and ethical farming and entrepreneurship. Grounded in permaculture principles, the farm has carved out a unique space in the Philippine cacao industry, known for its high-quality tablea and artisanal chocolates. Through its commitment to environmental stewardship, ethical production, and community empowerment, ATBANG Farm has emerged as a beacon of excellence and innovation.

From its humble beginnings, ATBANG Farm, founded by womenpreneur Efrenia Cantoneros-Holt (photo above), embraced a vision centered on sustainability. By nurturing healthy soil and steering clear of commercial agricultural chemicals, the farm has created an environment where cacao trees flourish naturally. This organic approach not only protects the land but also enhances the flavor and quality of its cacao beans—resulting in products that are both rich in taste and rooted in care for the earth.

More than just a farm, Efrenia’s ATBANG Farm is a testament to her vision of a thriving food forest—an ecosystem where crops, trees, and wildlife coexist in harmony. Her regenerative approach goes beyond planting; it enriches soil fertility, preserves biodiversity, and secures a sustainable food supply for generations to come. For Efrenia, sustainable farming is not merely a technique—it’s a deeply held responsibility to care for the earth and its future.

Her leadership at ATBANG Farm has created an impact that extends far beyond its fields. By prioritizing fair employment opportunities—especially for women—she has turned the farm into a driver of economic growth in Calape. With eight full-time workers receiving fair wages and valuable skills training, Efrenia ensures that her team plays an active role in the farm’s journey toward excellence. This community-centered approach reflects her belief that true success lies in empowering others and uplifting the community along the way.

A proud beneficiary of the GREAT Women Project 2, a Canada-funded initiative implemented by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), Ms. Holt’s entrepreneurial journey was transformed by accessing vital resources like technical training, product innovations, and market opportunities. Through partnerships with DTI, DOST, DA, and private sector enablers such as Bayan Academy, ECHOsi Foundation, and NATCCO, the project strengthened the capacity of women entrepreneurs like Ms. Holt to thrive in competitive markets.

ATBANG Farm Food Forest refined its packaging, upgraded its processing equipment, and enhanced product quality. She also participated in valuable training programs on entrepreneurship, market readiness, and product development—enabling them to scale production and successfully penetrate both local and tourism-driven markets.

Efrenia’s unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability at ATBANG Farm has garnered attention from both local and niche markets. The farm’s revenue growth tells a compelling story: from PHP 23,519 in 2022 to PHP 514,317 in 2023, and PHP 693,820 in 2024. This remarkable leap highlights the increasing demand for ATBANG’s organic tablea and artisanal chocolates, as well as the growing appreciation among Filipino consumers for ethical, farm-to-table products.

In the Visayan language, “atbang” means “opposite”—and true to its name, ATBANG Farm challenges conventional agricultural norms. It boldly rejects chemical-intensive, profit-first farming practices in favor of regenerative, community-driven approaches. This defiant commitment to doing things differently has earned the farm a reputation for excellence, with its smooth, flavor-packed chocolates often praised for their authenticity and craftsmanship.

Among Efrenia’s standout creations at ATBANG Farm is its premium tablea—crafted from 100% locally grown cacao beans. This traditional Filipino staple, used to prepare sikwate, a rich and comforting hot chocolate drink, has earned a special place among consumers who seek authentic, heritage-inspired flavors. With its bold, earthy notes, ATBANG’s tablea has not only become a breakfast favorite but also a sought-after ingredient for cooking and baking, expanding its appeal to kitchens far and wide.

Her journey with ATBANG Farm is a story of resilience, demonstrating that innovation and sustainability can flourish even amid agricultural challenges. Through constant refinement of techniques and an openness to new ideas, Efrenia has ensured the farm’s longevity while inspiring other small-scale cacao farmers across Bohol and beyond. Her efforts have made ATBANG Farm a model of excellence, proving that sustainable practices can pave the way for success in agriculture.

Its commitment to ethical farming has also led to expanding retail presence with ATBANG products now available in many shops and stores in Panglao Island and the City of Tagbilaran. This strategic placement taps into the growing eco-conscious tourism market, further boosting the farm’s reach.

Their vision is clear: to become a leading ethical producer of Boholano products while championing transparency in farming and chocolate-making. Its mission—to support communities, prioritize sustainability, and uphold product excellence—serves as its guiding light. With each cacao pod it harvests, Efrenia planted seeds of change, resilience, and hope.

Beyond production, Efrenia has transformed ATBANG Farm into a learning hub, offering hands-on workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions for aspiring farmers. Through these efforts, she spreads awareness and teaches organic farming techniques, fostering a new generation of farmers who prioritize long-term ecological health over short-term gains. This ripple effect amplifies Efrenia’s impact, creating a community of change-makers united by their commitment to sustainability.

Her dedication has not gone unnoticed. Under her leadership, ATBANG Farm has received numerous awards and recognitions, cementing its status as a leader in ethical cacao production. These accolades fuel her drive for continuous innovation and set a high standard for responsible farming practices in Bohol.

She has also forged partnerships with local and international organizations—from sustainability advocates to food industry experts and tourism stakeholders. These collaborations open doors for research, product development, and market expansion while keeping ATBANG Farm firmly rooted in its core values.

Through her advocacy, Efrenia actively participates in trade fairs, food expos, and sustainability summits, sharing her vision for ethical agriculture and showcasing world-class products. These platforms connect her with industry leaders, potential investors, and conscious consumers who value authenticity and sustainability in their food choices.

As Efrenia looks to the future, she envisions expanding ATBANG Farm’s product line with innovative cacao-based creations tailored for local enthusiasts and international markets alike. With the rising demand for artisanal, ethically sourced chocolates, she plans to introduce new flavors, creative packaging, and enhanced experiences for chocolate lovers everywhere.

Not only in her own entrepreneurial ventures did she excel but also outside of it as the Vice President of ABCaP, she played a crucial role in uniting Bohol’s cacao farmers and processors under a shared vision: to make Bohol a leading producer of high-quality cacao beans and artisanal chocolate. ABCaP serves as a collaborative platform where members exchange best practices, tackle common challenges, and advocate for policies that benefit small cacao farmers. Her leadership and expertise—especially in organic farming and value-added processing—have made her a trusted voice within the organization.

Her advocacy extends beyond her own farm. She actively mentors other ABCaP members on JADAM Natural Farming Technology, helping farmers reduce input costs through low-cost, do-it-yourself organic fertilizers and pest control solutions. Her belief that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand has inspired many to shift toward natural farming practices.

Her legacy is one of resilience, responsibility, and excellence. Her story proves that agricultural and entrepreneurial success is not achieved by exploiting the land but by working harmoniously with it, and not by chasing quick profits but by investing in people, communities, and the environment.

With her mantra, “Planting for Tomorrow,” Efrenia is redefining what it means to be a woman entrepreneur. Through innovation, sustainability, and a focus on community empowerment, she demonstrates that true business success lies in creating value not just for markets but also for people and the planet. 

Her journey is a powerful testament to the strength of women in business, inspiring others to lead with purpose and resilience. And while her achievements have already made a significant impact, for Efrenia, this is just the beginning. (DTI Bohol) ♦

Date of Release: 12 March 2025

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