Coconut farmers’ organizations, cooperatives and entrepreneurs from across Caraga are showcasing their products and innovations at the ongoing 2026 Caraga Coconut Festival, highlighting the growing opportunities in the region’s coconut industry.

With the theme “Niyog 360: One Coconut, Endless Opportunities,” the festival runs from May 18 to 24 at Robinsons Place Butuan.

The event is led by the Department of Trade and Industry in Caraga (DTI-13) in partnership with the Cooperative Development Authority, Agricultural Training Institute, Philippine Coconut Authority and Department of Agriculture.

Anchored in the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), mandated by Republic Act 11524, or the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act, the festival underscores efforts to modernize the industry, reduce poverty and improve the lives of coconut farmers.

Exhibits feature a wide range of coconut-based products from cooperatives and entrepreneurs throughout the region.

“Most of our products are now on display at the Agusan del Norte booth. These include processed food, delicacies, coconut water with mango and pineapple, vinegar, and virgin coconut oil,” said Lovely Shiela Mae Bulfa, production supervisor at Butuan Coconut Products Incorporated.

The booth includes items from entrepreneurs and cooperatives in five barangays of Butuan City and two towns in Agusan del Norte.

“Some visitors are inquiring about our products. We are optimistic about establishing market contacts and buyers from other towns and provinces,” Bulfa said.

“Visitors keep coming, inquiring and buying our products. We are seeing profits from this activity,” she added.

Pepito Trazo, chairperson of the Samahan ng mga Magsasaka sa Cagwait Agriculture Cooperative in Surigao del Sur, said the CFIDP has been a major boost for their group.

“We have more than 100 members cultivating over 34 hectares of coconut farms in different barangays in Cagwait,” Trazo said.

In 2023, the cooperative received more than 2,000 dwarf coconut seedlings, followed by 3,500 durian seedlings in 2024 through the CFIDP.

“We implemented intercropping by planting coconuts, durian, and cacao,” Trazo said, adding that members expect to begin harvesting dwarf coconuts and durian within two years.

He said the festival also featured discussions on CFIDP, including inputs from experts on coconut oil and other value-added products.

In a statement, DTI-13 Regional Director Gay Tidalgo said the weeklong activity aims to empower coconut farmers not only as producers but also as entrepreneurs capable of creating higher-value products and sustainable livelihoods. (PNA)