Farmers urged to reinforce their role in the export industry

There are 3.3 million coconut farmlands in the country contributing to 59 percent of the world coconut exports or more than half of the agricultural exports. There are also 25 million Filipinos dependent on the coconut industry but despite the opportunities available, much has to be done to ensure that the Philippines remains a primary coconut exporter. Realizing the potential of the coconut industry to reduce poverty in the country, the local government, the business sector, and social enterprises are urging coconut farmers not to be limited to selling copra, but rather find ways to increase the value-adding, explore partnership opportunities, and participate in various activities in the value chains. To address this, the Office of the Presidential Assistant on Food Security and Agricultural Modernization (OPAFSAM) and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) will hold “Forging Ahead: The National Investment Summit for Coconut-Based Farm Enterprises (NIS-CBFE)” today (February 26), from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the SGV Hall of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) in Makati City. The event will highlight the diverse community enterprise opportunities and best practices of selected community-based coconut enterprises to improve awareness on the position of value-adding coconut products. Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) is one of the key partners in this initiative. PBSP’s executive director Rafael C. Lopa will share how the business sector can empower coconut farmers in becoming development partners. By including them in the production value chain, these farmers can increase their income and have more access to employment opportunities. Lopa’s opening message will highlight that PBSP will push for the adoption of Inclusive Business (IB), which is a viable strategy to promote business sector and community participation, and achieve social and economic growth. With the emphasis on sustainability, the approach of IB provides income and livelihood opportunities to farmers and communities, and a potential return of investment. Apart from the talks by representatives from the government and business sectors, and social enterprises, the summit will also have parallel breakout-sessions to know more about the players of the coconut industry, allow participants to network and build linkages/partnerships with the government and private sectors, and to enhance or expand their preferred community enterprises. Attendees are from partner agencies, multilateral and bilateral international organizations, government financial institutions, local government units, state colleges and universities, social enterprises; and selected farmer organizations and cooperatives.