Coco farmers urged to value-add

Aside from copra, other coconut products must also venture into other coconut-based value added products that can be exported to the global market, a non-government organization (NGO) officer said.

Migdonio C. Clamor, executive director of Cocolink, formerly known as Davao Region Coconut Industry Cluster, Inc., said the priority on copra as a major export produce should not only be the focus of the government since the prices are dwindling and unpredictable in the global market; so, other value-added coconut products must also be considered.

“For several years, there are prices for coconut products which are not decreasing, For example you have the uling (charcoal). Ginadisregard lang nato na unya ginalabay (We just disregard it and throw it right away).

For all we know the coconut charcoal is actually at P20 per kilograms (kg). Unlike the price of whole nut which is only at P6/kg,” Clamor said in an interview during the 17th National Vegetable Congress on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at Davao Convention Center

Clamor added farmers might also want to invest in making geo-nets.

The demand for the product is high for industries addressing environmental issues.

“Ginagamit ni siya para maiwasan ang soil erosion (This is used to prevent soil erosion).

If you happen to pass along the diversion road, you'd actually see this,” Clamor said.

Clamor said the new game-changer for the coconut industry is the demand for coconut water, which might help boost Philippine's export produce in the global market.

“Somehow it is now competing with energy drinks.

The coconut water is actually being exported in U.S and Europe,the biggest markets,” Clamor said.

Though government agencies continue to provide agricultural services, Clamor assured coconut farmers Cocolink will always open future possibilities for market links and avenues for the welfare of Dabawenyo farmers.