Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Philippine Center for Postharvest
Development and Mechanization
CLSU Compound, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija

NEWS STORIES

PHilMech joins 1st Coco Techno Forum in MIMAROPA
by Joanna Aquin R. Hofileña (September 16, 2024)
As part of the National Coconut Week, PHilMech joined the first Coco Colloquium Techno Forum organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), held on September 12-13, in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro.

This forum aimed to maximize the potential of coconut for a sustainable future in the MIMAROPA Region by promoting collaboration and partnerships between government and private agencies and harmonization of Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Trust Fund implementing agencies.

Engr. Niño D. Bengosta, Cluster Head of CTF-FMOD Luzon B Cluster, presented the accomplishments of PHilMech’s CFIDP-Shared Processing Facilities program in Region IV-B.

Approximately 80 coconut farmers from 23 cooperatives, associations, and processors in Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan, Oriental Mindoro, and Occidental Mindoro attended the forum.

The forum highlighted success stories from coco-entrepreneurs, including Mr. Elmer Marbello of Marbello Enterprises, which produces unique coconut products such as cocoong (an alternative to bagoong), coconut vinegar, and coco jam; and Mr. Paul Emmanuel Bañas of Sinag Coffee Roastery in Oriental Mindoro.

Regional Director Rodolfo Mariposque of the DTI IV-B and provincial agriculturist Ms. Cristine Pine of Oriental Mindoro also graced the event with their presence.