Mandaluyong City—The first-ever CoconutPhilippines Trade Fair (CTF), held in Mandaluyong City, marked a groundbreaking initiative in the promotion and development of the Philippine coconut industry. The event showcased the potential of the sector and emphasized its critical role in driving inclusive growth, poverty alleviation, and modernization.

Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry – Bureau of Market Development and Promotions Office (DTI-BMDPO) in collaboration with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), the trade fair attracted key stakeholders, including coconut farmers, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), institutional buyers, and government partners. The CTF offered a dynamic platform for industry players to showcase innovative coconut-based products, engage in business matching, and explore new market opportunities. Around 90 exhibitors from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao participated, representing the vibrancy and diversity of the Philippine coconut sector. Highlights included product launches, market testing, benchmarking, and direct selling activities, reflecting the trade fair's comprehensive approach to market engagement.

The event featured a dedicated pavilion for 65 coconut farmers and cooperatives, providing a unique space to promote their products and capabilities. The showcase was complemented by the launch of the COCONUTPhilippines brand and the unveiling of the COCO Mania mascots, symbolizing the optimism and innovation driving the industry forward.

Central to the trade fair’s vision was its alignment with the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan, a roadmap established under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act (RA 11524). The CFIDP aims to uplift the livelihoods of millions of coconut farmers, increase productivity, and modernize the industry through initiatives like research, market promotion, and infrastructure development. As one of CFIDP’s implementing agencies, DTI offers robust support through its marketing and business development programs. Events like the CTF underscore the synergy between government agencies and industry stakeholders, ensuring the realization of CFIDP’s objectives. The PCA, as the lead agency in CFIDP implementation, was at the forefront of the trade fair, highlighting its comprehensive support for coconut farmers and their cooperatives. Administrator Dr. Dexter R. Buted underscored the PCA’s commitment to enhancing the competitiveness of coconut products in both local and global markets.

“Our collective efforts through the CFIDP and initiatives like the CoconutPhilippines Trade Fair reflect our unwavering dedication to improving the livelihoods of coconut farmers and fostering the growth of the coconut industry. Together, we are building a sustainable and prosperous future for this vital sector,” Dr. Buted echoed.

The CTF also highlighted the importance of innovation in maintaining the competitiveness of Philippine coconut products. Research and development, supported by the DOST, played a key role in introducing high-value, downstream coconut-based products that meet the demands of both domestic and international markets.

Participants lauded the event as a model for public-private collaboration, with institutional buyers expressing optimism about the quality and market potential of Philippine coconut products. The business matching activities alone yielded promising negotiations, setting the stage for increased investments and expanded market reach.

The success of the CTF sets a benchmark for future initiatives, solidifying the Philippines’ position as a global leader in coconut production, innovation, and the industry’s impact in charging econimic growth. By bridging the gap between coconut farmers and the market, the event set off the industry’s capacity to generate income, create jobs, and uplift marginalized communities.