00:00From farmers to small business owners, the Coconut Philippines Trade Fair shines a spotlight on how the Tree of Life sustains communities and powers the economy.
00:09With government backing and a push to plant 100 million new trees by 2028, the event highlights both tradition and opportunity for the future of the industry.
00:18Our Harley Valbuena is back with this report.
00:20Businessman Joshua decided to set up coconut business during the pandemic in 2021 to give income for his coconut farmers in Zamboanga, Cebu Gai.
00:35He is thankful that he has handed the opportunity to promote his products at the Coconut Philippines Trade Fair.
00:42The one that will help the farmers, malaki talagang tulong sa amin na na-feature kami dito sa, funded by the CFIDP dito sa National Coconut Trade Fair.
00:55Buko pa'y entrepreneur Janeline, meanwhile, also expects a boost in sales through the Trade Fair.
01:03Blessing po na kami po na MSME po ay ma-showcase ninyo po yung mga product po namin.
01:10So yan po yung product po namin ay matitikman nyo from Nueva Vizcayo Region 2.
01:16Joshua and Janeline are part of almost 300 local coconut entrepreneurs featured in Coconut Philippines Trade Fair of the Department of Trade and Industry and Philippine Coconut Authority.
01:30The Trade Fair aims to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises or MSMEs that create and sell products made from local coconut.
01:40For a generation, this industry has provided income, food, and opportunity to millions of our countrymen.
01:48But as we gather here today, let us recognize and harness the true potential of this industry, both locally and globally.
01:56Coconut is food. Coconut is medicine. Coconut is wellness. Energy rolled into one.
02:05According to the PCA, coconut exports contribute $2 billion in revenue to the country each year.
02:13But the Trade Fair also seeks to increase domestic consumption of coconut.
02:18This will be swiftly achieved through the order of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to plant 100 million coconut trees by 2028.
02:28The Coconut Philippines Trade Fair will run until September 2 at the Mega Trade Hall of SM Mega Mall in Mandaluyong City.
02:38Harley Valbena from the National TV Network for a new and better Philippines.
