DTI turns over P5-M facility to Sorsogon coconut farmers

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has handed over a newly constructed shared service facility (SSF) worth P5 million to coconut farmers in Irosin, Sorsogon province.

This initiative was part of DTI’s broader effort to increase the income of coconut farmers and create more jobs within their community.

Flora See, DTI’s project focal point in Sorsogon, said that the Coco Coir Business Integration and Development (Cocobind) Inc. in Sitio Bliss, Barangay Monbon, will benefit from this facility, which is designed to produce fiber from coconut husks.

According to See, the SSF will benefit about 250 individuals, including members and officials of Cocobind Inc., and will generate jobs for the community, particularly for housewives and out-of-school youth of legal age.

“Cocobind will undoubtedly need to hire additional workers for their facility. To operate at full capacity, they will require more manpower,” See remarked during the turnover ceremony on Nov. 24.

She emphasized that this initiative will not only increase employment opportunities but also stimulate the local economy of Irosin, boosting sales and investments in the coconut industry and improving productivity and competitiveness among local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The advanced equipment transferred by DTI includes one decorticating machine with three phases, two mobile-type decorticating machines, two carding machines, two baling machines, and twelve mechanical-type twine-making machines featuring a six-pulley system.

Each piece of equipment serves a specific function to expedite production and create high-quality products.

The main output of Cocobind is geonet, a biodegradable geosynthetic material used to prevent soil erosion and for road construction.

The workers at Cocobind also produce items such as cocopoles, coco doormats, fascines, and coco pots, among others.

Cocobind Inc. is designated as the co-operator of DTI, responsible for ensuring the proper handling and maintenance of the equipment and directly engaging with the beneficiaries of the initiative.

Raquel Elma, 48, has been a twinner at Cocobind since 2005. She is grateful for the impact the company has had on her life, especially since her child graduated from college thanks to her and her husband’s work there.

“We are thankful to the government for providing us with new equipment and employment opportunities, as it’s hard to find alternative jobs. The machines supplied by DTI greatly support our livelihood,” Elma said.

Teresa Laguerta, 39, a co-worker of Elma, said that they have started using the new twinning machine. Although her husband has other jobs, she noted that her income as a twinner at Cocobind helps them make ends meet. Depending on the circumstances, Laguerta said they can produce an average of 70 pieces of rope each day.

Ryan Hercia, a warehouse worker at Cocobind, shared that their team participates in DTI’s coconut trade fair to market and showcase their local products.

“We can produce more products now, and we can replace the old twinning machines used by our twinners. This also allows us to create more employment opportunities for our staff,” Hercia said.

The turnover ceremony was led by DTI Regional Director Dindo Nabol, who encouraged the members and leaders of Cocobind to utilize the SSF fully and extend its benefits to other community members. (Nicole Frilles contributed to this story/ PIA Bicol)