OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental (PIA) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Misamis Occidental organized a learning session and market matching for coconut industry players in Misamis Occidental at Luciano’s Hotel and Restaurant at the La Elena Pension House.
Dubbed “Market-Matching and Sustainable Growth Strategies for Coconut Industry Players,” the intervention focuses on facilitating market-matching support to local farmers and providing supply linkage assistance to two major coconut exporters in Misamis Occidental: Peter Paul Philippines Corporation (Consolidated Coconut Corporation), based in the Municipality of Plaridel, and Century Pacific Food Incorporated (Coco Harvest Incorporated), based in Tangub City.
Plant visits were also conducted after the sessions.

DTI Misamis Occidental Trade and Industry Development Specialist (TIDS) Methusael Lumantas urged participants to “strike a balance” as he advocated for continued development of artisanal products while encouraging participants by saying, “Take advantage of bulk market opportunities offered by large manufacturing corporations.”
Additionally, he pointed out the long-term benefits of patronizing the raw material market in view of the rising clamor for coconut and its derivatives, such as desiccated coconut, coconut milk, coconut water concentrates, and virgin coconut oil, in the global market.
The exporters participating in the forum have already produced or plan to produce these products.
On the other hand, during the open forum, company representatives had the chance to introduce their business, their standards, and their purchasing terms.
They also discussed their additional programs and projects, which are aimed at encouraging patronage by providing additional incentives to participating farmer suppliers.
The DTI Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, in collaboration with the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan, organized the two-day activity. (DTI Misamis Occidental/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)