A processing center to boost copra production in Quezon

By Nimfa Estrellado Mayor of Tagkawayan, Luis Oscar T. Eleazar, the Representative of Quezon Fourth District, Keith Micah Tan, as well as re...

By Nimfa Estrellado

Mayor of Tagkawayan, Luis Oscar T. Eleazar, the Representative of Quezon Fourth District, Keith Micah Tan, as well as representatives of the provincial governments of the Department of Agriculture—PhilMech (DA-PhilMech), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA). (Photo from PIA Quezon)

TAGKAWAYAN, Quezon - A processing center is set to open soon, offering modern facilities and equipment for copra production, as well as training and technical assistance to farmers, with the goal of increasing productivity and income and, as a result, improving the province’s economy.

On April 12, Quezon Governor Angelina Tan presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the White Copra Processing Center project, which is part of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan, in Brgy. Santa Monica, Tagkawayan, Quezon, to mark the formal start of construction.



Attendees include the Mayor of Tagkawayan, Luis Oscar T. Eleazar, the Representative of Quezon Fourth District, Keith Micah Tan, as well as representatives of the provincial governments of the Department of Agriculture—PhilMech (DA-PhilMech), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA).

The group conducted an inspection and assessment of the municipality’s agricultural projects, particularly coconut production. They also talked about possible interventions and assistance for local farmers to improve their livelihoods.

The project, worth P10.6 million, was awarded to Sama-Sama sa Kaunlaran Multi-Purpose Cooperative, which will oversee the project. The DA, DTI, DPWH, and PhilMech will work together to implement the White Copra Processing Center, the first project funded by the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act.

The P10.6 million project was awarded to Sama-Sama sa Kaunlaran Multi-Purpose Cooperative, which will oversee it. The first project funded by the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fun Act, the White Copra Processing Center, will be implemented in collaboration by the DA, DTI, DPWH, and PhilMech.

The White Copra Processing Center aims to provide additional income to coconut farmers by producing high-quality white copra. The project is expected to create job opportunities and boost the coconut industry in the region.

Tan emphasized in her message that she is also one of the main authors of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act, which she pushed for Quezon province to be among the first beneficiaries of.

According to the governor, this is one of the most important projects for Quezonian farmers to help them develop their industry. She claims that the processing center will assist coconut farmers in producing high-quality copra, resulting in a good income for the farmers.

Meanwhile, Senator Cynthia Villar, Chair of the Committee on Food and Agriculture, shared a video message in which she explained the purpose of the Multi-Purpose Cooperative and the important processes surrounding the construction of the said processing center.

She also thanked the cooperative and all partner agencies for including Tagkawayan as one of the project’s first beneficiaries. Senator Villar hopes to help coconut farmers earn more money while also contributing to the country’s economic growth.

The processing center will not only provide additional income for coconut farmers but also create job opportunities for the community. Senator Villar believes that investing in agriculture is vital in achieving sustainable development and reducing poverty in the country.

The Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Act, also known as Republic Act 11524, is a 50-year program aimed at assisting the country’s coconut farmers. Beneficiaries who are eligible will receive facilities that meet their needs.