Mindanao has long been a land of abundance—rich in culture, crops, and stories of quiet hustle. At this year’s IFEX 2025, I came across one such story that stood out from the crowd: Healthy Sweets Mindanao Corporation. Behind the booth was Betty Marfil-More—a woman who knows her coconut—and she’s turning this humble fruit into something sweet, sustainable, and deeply meaningful.
Betty wasn’t just approachable and warm; she was passionate, and it showed. I casually mentioned that my wife is diabetic, and right away she started sharing the benefits of coconut sugar—not just as a healthier alternative, but with some science to back it up. She explained how coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index compared to regular sugar, which means it doesn't spike blood sugar levels as quickly.
She even shared a personal story—someone close to her had their blood sugar normalize over time thanks to regular use of coco sugar. You could tell this wasn’t just a sales pitch. There was genuine care in the way she spoke.
Healthy Sweets Mindanao is more than its name. It’s a social enterprise that empowers farmers and gives them a sustainable livelihood. Betty proudly told me how their work has helped increase farmer incomes and improve lives in coconut-farming communities. When you support this brand, you’re not just buying sweets—you’re investing in people.
I also got to taste some of their products. The Coco Choco Granules were rich but not too sweet, and the ginger candy had just the right zing. It was a reminder that healthy doesn’t have to be bland—and that good food can do good things.
Sometimes, the sweetest stories aren’t just about flavor—they’re about purpose. Healthy Sweets Mindanao proves that doing good and eating well can go hand in hand.
Support local, eat healthy, and stay sweet!
💚 Follow them on Facebook: facebook.com/healthysweetsph