PCA: Coco production needs improvement

By Paulo DS. Papa

NAGA CITY --- Since the demand for coconut products in both local and international market is increasing, coconut production in the province and country should improve, the chief of Philippine Coconut Authority-Camarines Sur Office II said.

John I. Villareal, PCA Camarines Sur Office II chief, in an interview told Bicol Mail that Coconut Based Organizations (CBOs) such as those in Ragay town are now widely producing coconut by-products such as vinegar and virgin coconut oil.

Other CBOs produce and are now exporting coconut husks and plant hangers to the United Stales and other countries.

He said coconut fibers and other gardening ornamentals are also in demand, while copra cape are raw materials being used for animal feeds.

Villareal said raw coconut shells in the province are being bought by the Camarines Sur Multipurpose Cooperative for its charcoal production.

He said coconut products sold in the local market are produced by CBOs that received coconut decorticating machines from the PCA.

Villareal said that aside from PCA, CBOs also receive support from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and local government units (LGUs) in the production of vinegar and virgin coconut oil, which already earned recognition from the international market.

He said coconut production in the province needs to further improve here to cope up and sustain the needs of domestic and global markets.

As to the Coconut Levy Trust Fund Bill, which was passed by the House of Representatives on Dec. 14, 2020, Villareal said the bill once enacted as a law will be a huge help for coconut farmers due to its benefits.

Through the coco levy trust fund, estimated at P76 billion, more assistance will be given by the government to coconut farmers.