LANAO DEL NORTE — Coconut farmers, cooperatives and small business owners in Lanao del Norte got a major boost during the 8th Cocopreneur Summit and Market Showcase, where they learned new skills, discovered market opportunities, and connected with key industry players.

The two-day event, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Lanao del Norte in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and the provincial government, aimed to spark innovation, collaboration, and business growth in the local coconut industry.

DTI Provincial Director Jane Marie L. Tabucan said the summit brought together 16 to 17 government agencies to present programs supporting coconut, coffee, cacao and banana farmers.

“We presented innovations to help farmers make better decisions for future projects in the coconut industry,” she explained. “And of course, market promotion was part of it, too. With our expo showcasing different products, farmers see what’s already out there in the market.”

Tabucan noted that many farmers are still in the early stages of production, with limited access to bigger markets or diverse products. DTI hopes to help them expand both their product lines and their reach.

Programs like the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) and the Rural Agro-enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth) provide support for production, processing, and marketing while encouraging value-added products.

At the showcase, DTI-assisted MSMEs and cooperatives displayed their products.

Nahara S. Mutia of the Pagayawan Agritourism Farmers Agriculture Cooperative in Bacolod shared how their cooperative, which paused operations during the pandemic, is now developing new coconut-based products through CFIDP. Their flagship item is Tiyulo Palapa, a traditional Meranao coconut delicacy. With DTI and PCA support, the cooperative is improving packaging, product development, and shelf-life testing.

“We’re really interested because we already have skills, but our knowledge is still limited,” Mutia said. “By joining these production activities, I get to explore my interest in processing. At the same time, we learn more. We shouldn’t rely on just one method for our livelihood.”

For Aladin Camay, a farmer from Lala growing coconuts, calamansi, and seasonal vegetables, the summit offered practical insights. With help from PCA and the Department of Agriculture, he received new planting materials to replant old coconut trees and expand his production. He now turns coconut byproducts into charcoal briquettes and produces calamansi puree and pastillas.

“Beyond exposure, they also bring us to exhibits and other events where we see firsthand what the market really needs,” Camay said. “Before, my market was very limited.”