Surigao Sur pushes ‘Beyond Copra’ strategy to boost coconut industry investments
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY (PIA) — Strengthening value addition, innovation, and market linkages in the coconut sector took center stage during the recent Provincial Investment Forum on the Coconut Industry, positioning Surigao del Sur as a key player in the country’s agro-industrial development.
Carrying the theme “Beyond Copra: Innovation, Technology, and Partnership Driving Sustainable Growth in Surigao del Sur’s Coconut Industry,” the forum gathered coconut farmers’ cooperatives, farmer associations, coconut-based business owners, local government officials, financial institutions, and industry partners to explore investment opportunities and promote inclusive growth in the province.
The activity was spearheaded by the Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur through the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Unit (PEDIPU), in partnership with GIZ SPADe, a project co-funded by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and in collaboration with the City Government of Bislig.
Among the key speakers was Christian Eyde Moeller, co-founder and chief executive officer of Lionheart Farms Philippines Corporation, who highlighted potential investment opportunities in coconut processing and value-added production. An official from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Surigao del Sur also presented a comprehensive industry situationer, and representatives from the First Integrated Cooperative discussed initiatives in integrated coconut processing aimed at maximizing product value.
Meanwhile, the Development Bank of the Philippines-Butuan Lending Center introduced the CFID Credit Program, emphasizing accessible financing options for farmers and agripreneurs engaged in coconut-based enterprises.
PEDIPU Chief Marilyn Garol said the forum aims to strengthen collaboration and accelerate commercial growth through Business-to-Business (B2B) sessions with Celebes Coconut Corporation, Hycarb Philippines Corporation, and Diolan Coconut Products Manufacturing, facilitated by the Board of Investments (BOI).
“For many years, most of us relied mainly on copra, and our income was often unstable due to fluctuating copra prices. If we can process more products here in the province and connect directly with buyers and investors, it will greatly benefit farmers like us. We want to earn more from what we already grow,” shared representatives from various coconut farmers’ federations.
Farmer leaders also emphasized that while some coconut-based products are already available in the local market, there is a need to strengthen marketing and value chain development to increase farmers’ income and maximize the economic potential of coconut products.
Provincial Governor Johnny T. Pimentel underscored that moving “beyond copra” means shifting toward higher-value coconut products such as virgin coconut oil, coco sugar, coco coir, and other processed derivatives, which can generate higher income for farmers while creating more employment opportunities in the province.
Garol likewise expressed appreciation to Governor Pimentel for his steadfast support in advancing economic development initiatives and attracting responsible investments in Surigao del Sur.
The investment forum aligns with the national government’s thrust to modernize and industrialize agriculture, particularly the coconut sector, one of the country’s major export earners and a primary source of livelihood for millions of rural families.
PCA Surigao del Sur Chief Christian Gill Hibaya confirmed that Surigao del Sur remains the leading coconut-producing province in the Caraga Region, with 93,451 hectares devoted to coconut farming. Coconut plantations account for 48.28 percent of the province’s total agricultural area and 18.94 percent of its total land area.
Hibaya added that 44,241 farmers are currently engaged in coconut farming in the province, based on records from the National Coconut Farmers Registry System (NCFRS), underscoring the sector’s critical role in local livelihoods and economic stability.
Meanwhile, a coconut farmer interviewed by PIA shared that government support has been instrumental in sustaining their farming activities. Rex Fernandez expressed his gratitude to the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) for providing seed nuts, fertilizers, cash assistance, and training on the various aspects of coconut farming.
He noted that these initiatives highlight the government’s continued efforts to strengthen coconut farmers’ capability and improve productivity in the sector.
By promoting innovation, improving access to financing, and strengthening public-private partnerships, Garol emphasized that the province aims to build a resilient, inclusive, and competitive coconut industry, one that empowers farmers, attracts investors, and contributes to the country’s broader food security and rural development agenda. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)