Two processing plants for virgin coconut oil will soon rise in Eastern Samar, according to the An-Waray Partylist.
The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) has recommended the construction of the plants and has allocated P17 million funding.
THE construction of two new processing plants for virgin coconut oil (VCO) in Eastern Visayas will pave the way to a gradual recovery of the region's agriculture industry which in the process could lead to more economic activities and progress.
In a statement, An Waray Partylist Representative Florencio Noel said the two new VCO processing plants will be constructed in the towns of Jaro, Leyte and Paranas, Eastern Samar.
Virgin coconut oil is pure, cold-pressed coconut oil that has not been refined. Unlike coconut oil, the unrefined version is not bleached or deodorized and is non-hydrogenated.
It has a light coconut flavor as compared to the strong taste of coconut oil.
It is known for its pleasant fragrance and taste, as well as its healthy antioxidants, medium-chain fatty acids, and vitamins.
“Each facility will need 10,000 coconuts daily for VCO processing. The towns of Jaro and Paranas have the capacity to provide their needs,” Noel said.
The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) has recommended the construction of the plants and has allocated P17 million funding.
The plants were proposed under the One Eastern Visayas Food Security and Agricultural Development Plan and was initially crafted by the An Waray Partylist.
The partylist is known in Eastern Visayas for championing the cause of coconut farmers as well as promoting coconut products.
Among its programs is the annual "Oktubafest," which aims to promote the local coconut wine called "tuba."
The UCAP and VCO Philippines data revealed that only 30 percent of the capacity of 73,000 metric tons (MT) of coconuts are being utilized for VCO making as of 2019.
Local sales and export of VCO has also reached 20,000 MT on 2019. (JKA)