Today, we pause to think about the value of the coconut, also referred to as the “tree of life” for its wide array of nutritional value and uses. From its water, a high-electrolyte beverage, to its fresh meat with essential vitamins and minerals, to desiccated meat used in baking; to the popular virgin coconut oil (VCO) – the coconut is the “rock star” of local fruits for its widespread popularity. Who does not know or recognize the coconut in the Philippines?
The Philippines is the second largest producer of coconuts in the world, next to Indonesia. Based on 2018 data, there are over 347 million fruit-bearing coconut trees in the country, where 69 out of 82 provinces grow it, according to the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD).
August is National Coconut Month. From Aug. 24 to 30, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) celebrates the 38th National Coconut Week “to pay tribute of honor and thanksgiving for the blessings and benefits derived from the coconut industry and to establish a continuing awareness of its lasting importance to our national life.”
The highlight of this year’s celebration will be the National Ceremonial Planting on Aug. 28, 2024, which will be done simultaneously around the country, in line with President Marcos’ goal of planting 100 million coconut trees by 2028. The planting activity aims to address the increasing senility and loss of bearing trees which has reduced the country’s output of coconut fruits and its products.
In June, PCA administrator Dexter Buted, who had sought for a higher budget next year to improve coconut production, said the planting activity will help push the country to be the leading coconut producer worldwide.
The activities that will be held to celebrate the 38th National Coconut Week are designed to encourage more people to be aware of the many uses of coconut as a cooking ingredient, a source of livelihood, and for nutrition. It will also have activities that will help the farmers to live more healthy lives while boosting their production. Among these are:
A Coconut Culinary Show will present coconut-inspired recipes for nutritious and delicious food using coconut milk (gata), butter, water, nata de coco, sap syrup, sap vinegar, sugar, flour and virgin coconut oil.
There will be symposiums on the benefits of coconut products held in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry-Bureau of Market Development Promotion and One Town One Product.
A health and medical program aimed at improving the well-being of coconut farmers and their families, will be launched in partnership with the Department of Health. The program will ensure that farmers and their families have access to essential medical services, leading to improved overall health and enhanced financial protection. This will be launched on Aug. 27 in line with the mandate of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).
To update farmers on new technologies, an online webinar will be conducted with the theme “Transforming the lives of Filipino coconut farmers through innovative and sustainable technologies.”
Celebrate the coconut fruit in your own way because it is so much a part of our lives in this country. A beverage or food you consumed today likely had a coconut ingredient. A piece of furniture or furnishing around you came from the coconut husk.
From nutrition to function, these have been provided by the “tree of life” which is nurtured by the farmers.