BALER, Aurora (PIA) — Coconut farming communities in Aurora are poised to benefit from expanded livelihood opportunities with the construction of a P31-million coconut processing facility in Dingalan town.
Anchored on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to revitalize agricultural industries, the facility is implemented under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan with P17 million allotted for infrastructure and P14 million for equipment to enhance coconut value-adding.
Philippine Coconut Authority Aurora Provincial Head Aldrin Veneracion said the facility aims to increase the profitability of coconut farmers by allowing them to process raw materials into higher-value products.
“This is a strategic shift that will empower farmers to participate more in the coconut value chain. By giving them access to modern equipment and training, we are helping them transition from being mere suppliers of raw materials to becoming active producers of market-ready goods,” Veneracion furthered.
Once operational, the facility will be managed by the community-based Ibona Small Coconut Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative.
It will produce virgin coconut oil and coconut flour—products with growing demand in both health-conscious and export markets.
“Apart from virgin coconut oil and coconut flour, machines for processing coconut water are also being developed to further expand the facility’s range of value-added products, opening more income streams for local farmers,” Veneracion added.
For her part, Dingalan Mayor Aurora Taay reaffirmed the municipal government’s commitment to supporting agriculture-based enterprises through sustained partnerships with national government agencies.
“The structure being built is not just a facility but a new opportunity for local coconut farmers to access better and more sustainable livelihoods,” she emphasized.
In his 2025 State of the Nation Address, President Marcos reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revitalizing the coconut industry, including a legislative push to enhance support systems for farmers.
“At upang lubos na pasiglahin ang industriya ng niyog, hihilingin natin sa Kongreso na amyendahan ang Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act, para naman maging mas angkop sa mga pangangailangan ng ating mga magsasaka,” the Chief Executive said.
By investing in modern processing facilities at the grassroots level, the project reflects the administration’s broader vision of a “Bagong Pilipinas” that uplifts rural communities and builds resilient, value-driven local economies. (CLJD/MAT, PIA Region 3-Aurora)
