MALAPATAN, Sarangani (October 4, 2024) – The Provincial Local Government of Sarangani, through the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP)- Provincial Project Management and Implementing Unit, conducted on October 3 the commissioning of the P16-million Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) processing equipment in its facility at Tuyan, Malapatan.
This VCO processing plant, the first in Sarangani, is expected to significantly boost the local coconut industry.
The PRDP's Investments for Rural Enterprises and Agriculture Productivity component funded the P10-million facility, while the PLGU purchased the equipment.
Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Annabelle Tagaza highlighted the project's potential to boost local coconut production and create economic opportunities for farmers.
"This facility will provide a new market for our coconut farmers, allowing them to dispose of their coconuts in a more profitable venture," she said.
Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Alain Alcala emphasized the project's potential for adding value to Sarangani's coconut industry.
"With copra as the common coconut by-product, this VCO enterprise project will allow us to demand higher prices based on quality," he said. "This can increase profits five to six times compared to copra."
Alcala also emphasized that Sarangani, being Region 12's top coconut producer and Mindanao’s top three, is poised to benefit significantly from this new venture.
The commissioning process evaluated the equipment's efficiency in producing high-quality VCO and ensured it met quality standards.
The facility, now operation-ready, will soon be turned over to Malapatan Multi-Purpose Cooperative.
Five cluster cooperative members, Muslim-Christian Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Glan, Sta. Cruz Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Maasim, Pangi Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Maitum, Kiamba Cable TV Service Cooperative in Kiamba, and Laurel Bisaya-Kaulo Association in Malungon, were identified to supply coconuts for production.
The Sarangani VCO Processing Facility will initially target the domestic market, with plans to expand to international markets in the future. (Beverly C. Paoyon and photo by Tres Besana/Sarangani PIO)
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