Northern Samar eyes coco industrial park

COCO INVESTMENTS A group of potential investors visit a coconut farm in Pambujan, Northern Samar on Nov. 28, 2024. Northern Samar’s provincial government is upbeat about establishing a Coconut Industrial Park to develop the major farm product of the province. (Photo courtesy of Northern Samar provincial government)

TACLOBAN CITY — Northern Samar’s provincial government is upbeat about establishing a Coconut Industrial Park in Bobon town to develop the major farm product of the province.

The proposed three- to five-hectare park will focus on processing, manufacturing and exporting coconut-based products.

The park needs 5,000 hectares of coconut plantations to support the facility’s operation.

“With continued investment efforts and strategic planning, the Coconut Industrial Park in Northern Samar promises to be a landmark project that will not only boost the province’s coconut industry but also transform the province into a model for sustainable economic development,” Jhon Allen Berbon, head of the provincial economic development and investment promotions office, said in a phone interview Friday.

The provincial government gave a group of potential investors a tour of the future industrial park on Nov. 27 and 28.

The group proceeded to the ports of San Jose and Allen, key logistical hubs for transporting coconut products.

These ports are considered vital for facilitating the export of processed goods and ensuring smooth access to international markets.

The delegation also visited Mondragon, Pambujan and Catubig towns, where they engaged in productive discussions with local coconut farmers regarding their insights and feedback on the potential impacts of the industrial park.

“The province of Northern Samar has emerged as a strategic location for this groundbreaking venture, crediting its vast coconut resources, yielding an impressive 350,000 to 400,000 metric tons of coconuts annually, with 84,000 hectares of land dedicated to coconut farming,” Berbon added.

Northern Samar ranks as the 18th largest producer of coconut in the Philippines, with a yield of 315,000 metric tons in 2023, according to the Philippine Coconut Authority.

Berbon said that despite its substantial coconut production, the province faces limited competition with only one oil mill, one coco-sugar producer, two virgin coconut oil producers, and three coco coir producers.

The province has 86,000 registered coconut farmers, including landowners, workers and tenants.