AT LEAST 18 virgin coconut oil (VCO) processing plants will be built in Davao Region, one of which is to be in the Province of Davao del Norte, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Regional Office XI (RO XI) revealed recently.
Regional Director Juvy Alayon of PCA-RO XI said that P17.7 million has been allotted for the entire VCO project, which operations will eventually be turned over to the local government units or to the coconut farmers to help them increase income.
“This project is just timely because the Department of Science and Technology has found out that virgin coconut oil is effective against COVID 19,” Alayon said during the signing of Memorandum of Agreement between PCA and the Province of Davao del Norte in Tagum City late last week.
PCA said that coconut oil is one of the healthiest foods extracted from the fruit of coconut trees, which are actually drupes (neither trees nor fruit trees).
Coconut oils are of two varieties – virgin and refined oil. Refined oil is extracted by heating while VCO is produced without heat exposure.
VCO is popular for its pleasant aroma, taste, powerful antioxidants, healthy fatty acids and essential vitamins.
Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib the VCO processing plant is of being help, particularly that coconut farmers would not have to go to Davao City to sell their copra.
