Two virgin coconut oil (VCO) processing plants will be constructed in two towns in Eastern Visayas meant to provide higher income to coconut farmers.
An Waray Partylist Rep. Florencio Noel said on Tuesday these facilities will rise in the towns of Jaro, Leyte, and Paranas, Samar.
The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) has set aside PHP17 million funds for the construction of the two facilities proposed under the One Eastern Visayas Food Security and Agricultural Development Plan crafted by the An Waray Partylist.
“Unlike other products, VCO has a ready market. 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 told reporters.
The decision to construct the VCO facilities in Jaro and Paranas towns is based on recommendations from PCA after a thorough evaluation.
VCO is a product from coconut milk that does not undergo a heat process. It uses a cold processing technology to ensure that its natural goodness, antioxidants in oil, aroma, and nutrients remain intact.
The natural oil is also used as ingredients in other products like soap, massage oils, moisturizing body oil, skincare products, and hair conditioners.
The Department of Science and Technology has ongoing research on the VCO as a dietary supplement for coronavirus patients.
There are currently three VCO producers in the region. These are the SC Global Coco Products in Baybay City, Leyte; Koko Oil Inc. in Leyte town, and CocoAsenso Corp. in Paranas, Samar. (PNA)
