Use coco fiber to restore riverbanks damaged by typhoon, LGUs urged

THE Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) encouraged the local government units (LGUs) to use coconut fiber in restoring Sendong-damaged riverbanks.

PCA Negros Oriental coconut development manager Brendan Trasmonte said using coco coir fiber can control soil erosion along riverbanks and  help prevent floods due to its capacity to hold water.

Trasmonte believed that coconut farmers in the province can produce the required coco fibers as Negros Oriental has 92,782 hectares of coconut farm  with more than seven million coco bearing trees planted.

Trasmonte cited an order by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to intensify the use of coco bio-engineering products in all its infrastructure and public work projects, especially those involving slope stabilization, soil conditioning, soil erosion prevention and or hydro-seeding.

“The technology will not only lessen the ill-effects of climate change, but also offers employment and economic opportunities to small coco farmers,” PCA official said.

Coco coir fibers are also transformed into twine or yarn, while fine coco fibers are used in making beds or mattresses. Coconut peat or dust is used as organic fertilizer, soil conditioner or animal beddings.