1st COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair Opening Ceremony (L-R): DTI-BMDPO Director Marievic Bonoan, PCA Administrator Dr. Dexter Buted, DTI Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, and Congressman Christopher de Venecia

Mandaluyong City, Philippines–– The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) underscored the Philippines’ position as a global coconut leader in its first COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall on December 4.

Organized by the DTI-Bureau of Market Development, Promotions and OTOP (BMDPO), the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), and 14 other implementing agencies, the fair brought together 100 exhibitors from across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to showcase the ingenuity of the Philippine coconut sector with high-quality products.

The crowd feasted on a diverse range of coconut-based products including virgin coconut oil, coconut sugar, coco coir, charcoal briquettes. The fair also showcased innovative food and beverage creations, cosmetics, and eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Also, the 53 beneficiaries of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Program (CFIDP) that participated in the event were presented with special tokens as a gesture of the government’s commitment to the welfare of Filipino coconut farmers and entrepreneurs.

In keeping with the holiday cheer, a Christmas tree, crafted entirely from coconut materials, served as the fair’s centerpiece. It symbolized the resilience, versatility, and the enduring spirit of the Philippine coconut industry.

The Coconut Christmas Tree

Showcasing the collective effort of the 14 implementing agencies, the tree was adorned with Christmas ornaments bearing their names to signify their commitment to championing all Filipinos through the CFIDP program.

The unique creation of the coconut palm as a “tree of life” represents the industry’s potential to bring prosperity and joy to the nation, particularly during the holiday season.

“The COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair is a testament to the collective effort of the government, farmers, and industry stakeholders to revitalize the Philippine coconut industry,” said DTI-BMDPO Director Marievic Bonoan.  

“This event has successfully showcased the ingenuity and diversity of our coconut products, paving the way for increased market access and global recognition,” she added.

Echoing this sentiment, Philippine Coconut Authority Administrator Dr. Dexter Buted emphasized the significance of a whole-of-nation approach in driving the industry forward. “The success of this trade fair demonstrates the power of a unified approach in implementing the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP). By working together, we can unlock the full potential of the coconut sector and uplift the lives of our coconut farmers.”

Other key highlights of the COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair included the official launch of the COCONUTPhilippines brand and CocoMania Mascots, feature of eco-friendly products and cutting-edge technologies, and display of valuable business connections and networking opportunities.

Mandated by Republic Act No. 11524, also known as the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act, the COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair is a crucial component of the CFIDP. The comprehensive program implements the government’s commitment to revitalize the coconut industry through coconut farmers empowerment, income sources diversification, market reach expansion, and poverty alleviation.

The resounding success of the inaugural COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair signals a promising future for the Philippine coconut industry. With heightened global recognition, enhanced market access, and sustained growth, the industry is poised to make significant contributions to the propel the country’s economic growth and empower millions of Filipinos.

Capitalizing on this momentum, initial assessments indicate that the trade fair generated significant interest and business partnerships that effectively stimulate the Philippine coconut industry.

For updates on the trade fair and other DTI initiatives, follow the DTI-BMDPO on social media: @DTI.BMDPO on Facebook and Instagram, and @DTI_BMDPO on X. For other inquiries, please contact Director Marievic M. Bonoan at bmdpo@dti.gov.ph. ♦

Date of release: 13 December 2024

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