PCA Celebrates Regional Coconut Week

by Grechelle Gay G. Magbanua

The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) along with the Department of Agriculture (DA) conducted the 13th Regional Coconut Week, and the Guimaras 9th Kalubihan Festival with the theme" Natatangi Itong Yaman, Oil na, Ginto pa". It was held at the Event Center, SM City, Mandurriao, Iloilo.

The event’s main purpose focused on showcasing the products which are created from coconuts and to make the Ilonggos familiar with the goods through the exhibits displayed in various places around the Event Center.

"The affair was in fulfillment to a presidential proclamation to alleviate the coconuts and to salute the coconut industry, as well as the coconut farmers and producers," Joey S. Cruz, PCA’s regional manager for Region VI pointed out.

All the provinces of Region VI participated in the exhibit which were provided each with small booth around the Event Center to showcase their respective local goods and products.

Products on display were made from the coconut trees ranging from native bags, hats, footwear, costumes, mats, textiles, fans, delicacies, sauces, and the famous virgin coconut oil.

Presidential Assistant for Western Visayas Dr. Raul Banias was the keynote speaker. Director Noel Reyes of the Agricultural Fisheries Information Service DA, Quezon City, and DA Regional Executive Director, Larry P. Nacionales also graced the occasion.

"A coconut is a tree of life, it is also money because hundreds of products can be produced from it", Dr. Banias stressed in his speech. He also pondered on the fact that coconuts could not just produce products, but it can attract tourists as well.

The celebration was a three-day affair, which started on August 19. The first day began with a ribbon cutting of exhibits and opening ceremony, "Coconut Rampahanay" followed in the afternoon which included an On the Spot Poster Making and Binalaybay and Composo Contest. A symposium on major products from coconuts was held on the second day. The activities ended with the "Nanay sa Kalubihan" pageant. /MP