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)
