Over 20 coconut-based micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are joining this year’s Negros Coco Expo that formally opened Nov. 3 at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City.
These MSMEs, to include coconut farmers’ groups, cooperatives, and business owners, will join the expo until Nov. 5. The opening program featured messages from Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Region VI manager, Dr. Neil Melencion; Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Negros Occidental director, Engr. Allan Francis Dara-ug; and Liberty Alarcon, head of the province’s Technological, Livelihood, and Development Center, who delivered the inspirational message of Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson.
They emphasized the importance of sustainable growth for the coconut sector in Negros and acknowledged the crucial role of collaboration among farmers, MSMEs, and government agencies.
Organized to support and empower the local coconut industry, the expo was supported by the Department of Trade and Industry, with Engr. Engiemar Tupas, chief trade and industry development specialist for DTI Negros Occidental, and Gerin Vergara, senior trade and industry development specialist joining in the ceremonial ribbon-cutting to mark the start of the three-day expo.
The Negros Coco Expo 2024 aims to highlight coconut-based products, promote market access for local producers, and provide a platform for government agencies and financial institutions to directly engage with the coconut farming community, strengthening the region’s agricultural economy, and supporting the livelihoods of local coconut farmers, the DTI said.
Representatives from various government agencies, including the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, and the PCA Negros Occidental set up booths to address coconut farmers’ concerns, while the Development Bank of the Philippines, Land Bank of the Philippines, and the DA-PhilMech are expected to provide further support and consultation to stakeholders throughout the expo. ||
