ALABAT, QUEZON — The Alabat Coco Sugar Producers Association holds its first monthly meeting on January 26, 2023, at the Coco Hub Phase 1 in Brgy. Camagong, Alabat, Quezon.

In attendance were coco sugar producers headed by Francis B. Mercado, President; Lerissa E. Libao, Treasurer; Carlito D. Villamayor; Heriberto L. Ruanto; Ranny Mesa; Irene Angulo; Rodel Oliveros; Engr. Alberto Caparros; Gloria O. Cadiz, Chairperson (Alabat Island Farmers Producers Cooperative); Mylene L. Culing, OIC-Municipal Agriculturist-LGU-Alabat; Shanne Maureen A. Angeles, Operations Manager; and staff Michelle Caparros.

Early morning discussions revolve around several agendas vis-à-vis coco sugar operations, both at the farm level and at the coco hub: operations, maintenance, and manpower requirements; a calendar of activities for the first semester of 2023; and the organic certification process.

The rainy season from the 4th quarter of 2022 until the whole month of January has widely affected farm operations and hampered activity, including the repair and replacement of aging bamboo poles. With this, most farms have minimal or no harvest at all.

Likewise, among other important points agreed upon is the necessary preparation for the upcoming farm audit for organic certification. The third-party certifying body is set to push through farm audits and inspections by February, given fair weather conditions.

Also, the target calendar of activities for the 1st semester of 2023 was presented, including a review of production and financial records, strengthening marketing and promotions through networking and online presence, strategic accounting, and collection efforts for the accounts receivable.

Meanwhile, as an invited representative, Victoria T. Gonzales, Negosyo Center Alabat-Business Counselor, shared updates from DTI Quezon’s programs and services. Top of the list is the invitation for Propak Philippines 2023, an event where packaging and printing needs for coco sugar and other products under AIFPC will surely be addressed. She also shared the latest status on the Coconut Food Innovation Project collaboration with the University of Sto. Tomas-Department of Food Technology (UST-FT) for coco sugar and virgin coconut oil; the KALAKAL Quezon as a physical marketing opportunity; and DTI’s financial assistance to MSMEs offered by Small Business Corporation through the RISEUP Loan.

Later in the afternoon, Rodel Oliveros, Municipal Treasurer, and Dr. Perfecto Vittre D. Chua Cheng II, Municipal Administrator, joined the meeting.

Also, Norberto O. Chingcuanco, VP for Corporate Planning at Feedmix Specialists Inc. (Bulacan) and Alquerez Aquaculture, Inc. (Alabat), spent an hour of his day-tour introducing Alabat products to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

With him were Mark Hanzel, Agricultural Attaché from the USDA-Foreign Agricultural Service, and Lary Nel B. Abao, Agricultural Specialist. These USDA experts shared insights on the high demand for coconut-based products in consumer stores back in the US. Virgin coconut oil, coconut flour, coconut meat-based snacks, and frozen coconut milk are best for export. They also found coco sugar to be another interesting product with great potential. The short meeting ended with these initial talks, and follow-through is expected before the second quarter of 2023. ♦

Date of Release: 6 February 2023