2 VCO processing plants to be built in Eastern Visayas

TACLOBAN CITY – The construction of two virgin coconut oil (VCO) processing plants is seen to boost the coconut industry in Eastern Visayas.

An Waray party-list Rep. Florencio Noel said as part of the One Eastern Visayas Food Security and Agricultural Development Plan, the two processing plants to be established in Jaro, Leyte and Paranas, Samar will provide better revenues for coconut farmers.

"This is a big help for them because they will not only be able to sell the meat but also the husks and other products made from coconuts," he added.

Noel said residents from the two municipalities will benefit from the two processing plants since they will need at least 10,000 coconuts per day for their VCO production.

"There is a ready market for VCO unlike other cooperatives through the help of the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Agriculture," Noel said.

The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) has earmarked P17 million for the construction of each plant and has conducted evaluations and visits to the proposed sites for the facilities.

Noel said that the PCA had already made an evaluation and already conducted visits at the proposed project sites.

The construction is expected to be completed this year.

VCO uses cold-processing technology in coconut milk. It serves as a food supplement and raw material for making soap, lotion, skin care products, and haircare products.