BACOLOD BACKS PCA CALL TO BOOST COCO PRODUCTION

The city council passed last month a resolution supporting the call of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to boost the country’s coconut production.  Authored by City Councilor Sonya M. Verdeflor, the resolution noted that typhoons Pablo and Yolanda destroyed 33 million coconut trees.  PCA also reported that as many as three million coconut trees were lost to infestation and unregulated cuttings. Verdeflor said there is a growing demand for coconuts, but local governments could not keep up with supply requirements.  Raw coconuts are essential to high-value products such as virgin coconut oil and coconut water.