COCONUTPhilippines: Empowering Coconut Farmers and Entrepreneurs Through the CFIDP

 

The Department of Trade and Industry- Bureau of Marketing and Development Promotions Office (DTI-BMDPO), in collaboration with key government agencies, proudly presents the first-ever COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair (CTF), scheduled from December 2 to 4, 2024, at Megatrade Hall 1, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

This landmark event is a vital component of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), guided by Republic Act (RA) 11524, also known as the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act. The CFIDP reaffirms the government’s dedication to supporting coconut farmers, especially the marginalized, by creating income opportunities, reducing poverty, and fostering social equity. Serving as a blueprint for sustainable development, the CFIDP emphasizes improving the coconut industry’s competitiveness, driving inclusive growth, and expanding market potential for Philippine coconut products.

A Platform for Growth and Innovation

The COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair is designed to be a premier platform for showcasing the vast potential of Philippine coconut-based products while exploring innovative industry directions. The event will gather farmers, MSMEs, institutional buyers, and key stakeholders for sourcing opportunities, order-taking, and collaborative discussions. It will also feature product launches, market testing, benchmarking, business matching, negotiations, and direct selling.

Notable highlights include the launch of the COCONUTPhilippines brand and the unveiling of the COCOMania mascots.

Strengthening the Coconut Industry

The DTI demonstrates its commitment to the CFIDP through the implementation of research, marketing, and market promotion sub-programs. With the support of the BMDPO, the agency has successfully integrated coconut-based products through special settings in flagship trade shows such as the National Food Fair and National Trade Fair, creating opportunities for coconut farmers to connect with consumers and business partners while enhancing public awareness of these products in the domestic market.

The COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair, the first stand-alone event of its kind, was developed in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and 14 inter-agency stakeholders. The fair celebrates and empowers coconut farmers across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, showcasing the efforts of 90 exhibitors who will present a diverse array of food and non-food coconut products for both local and international markets.

In line with the ongoing promotional campaign, a domestic market research initiative is also underway. This initiative aims to assess demand and consumption trends for coconut-based products, particularly in the food and beverage sectors. It also seeks to provide insights into economic factors driving consumer behavior and identify growth opportunities that directly benefit program beneficiaries.

Creating Awareness Through Collaboration

The CFIDP is a collaborative effort led by 14 government agencies, each playing a critical role in the development of the coconut industry:

 Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA): Lead agency for program implementation.

 Department of Agriculture (DA): Focuses on intercropping, livestock integration, and farm

diversification.

 Department of Trade and Industry (DTI): Promotes enterprises, product development, and

market access.

Department of Science and Technology (DOST): Provides research and technology support

for improved coconut varieties and innovations.

 Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH): Enhances farm-to-market

infrastructure.

 Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA): Offers skills training for

farmers and industry workers.

 Commission on Higher Education (CHED): Supports educational programs related to coconut

agriculture.

 Cooperative Development Authority (CDA): Strengthens coconut farmer cooperatives.

 Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP): Provides credit and financial support.

 Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP): Finances industry projects.

 Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC): Protects farmers with crop insurance.

 Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech): Promotes

post-harvest technologies.

 Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI): Supports livestock integration and animal health.

 Agricultural Training Institute (ATI): Conducts training on good agricultural practices.

Event Details

 Dates: December 2–4, 2024

 Venue: Megatrade Hall 1, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City

 Admission: Free and open to the public

Be part of the movement to elevate the Philippine coconut industry at the 1st COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair and experience the future of coconut innovation.

For more information about DTI initiatives supporting MSMEs, follow DTI-BMDPO on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. For inquiries, email BMDPO Director Marievic M. Bonoan at bmdpo@dti.gov.ph.