Lerio Chocolate: Hidden Gem of Agusan

I joined Sec Amenah Pangandaman for an official trip to Agusan on August 8, 2025—a packed itinerary starting with an inspection of school state facilities of the Agusan del Sur State College and Technology in the morning; an End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) meeting led by Sec Mina and Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago B. Cane Jr. in the afternoon; and a Philippine Open Government Partnership symposium with athletes.

So we were so relieved to find this cool chocolate shop after lunch to energize us!

Discovering Lerio Chocolate in Agusan del Sur

This is a real farm to table cacao shop as their cacao is sourced from their very own farm in Agusan and we met their Farmer in Chief Dodo Ocite. His sister is the Executive Chef while Lerio, whom they named the shop after, is their mom.

Their pralines are exceptionally good and so is their hot chocolate—better than the ones in Manila! They have flavors that are inspired by Dubai chocolate and of course, locally inspired flavors such as durian and mango.

They also have powdered cacao, bars, and tablea.

Sec Amenah Pangandaman especially proud of another great product from Mindanao.

They also have a very chic tasting room. This is definitely a must-visit for tourists. I hope they also open their farm for tourists soon it would certainly be a great experience seeing how chocolate is made from farm to table. Also, we definitely have to bring this to Manila!!

Congrats, Lerio!! Can't wait to enjoy Lerio chocolates again!

Photos: Margaux Salcedo