By David Vera
The provincial government of Northern Samar is planning to establish a Coconut Industrial Park in Bobon town to enhance the processing, manufacturing, and export of coconut-based products, a key agricultural resource in the province.
The proposed three- to five-hectare industrial park will require 5,000 hectares of coconut plantations to sustain its operations. According to Jhon Allen Berbon, head of the provincial economic development and investment promotions office, the project aims to transform Northern Samar into a model for sustainable economic development.
“The Coconut Industrial Park promises to be a landmark project that will not only boost the province’s coconut industry but also position it as a hub for innovation and economic growth,” Berbon said during a phone interview on Friday.
A group of potential investors visited the proposed site and nearby coconut plantations on November 27-28. The delegation also toured the ports of San Jose and Allen, which are vital for the export of processed coconut products to international markets. Discussions with local coconut farmers in Mondragon, Pambujan, and Catubig provided insights into the potential impacts of the industrial park on the farming community.
Northern Samar produces 350,000 to 400,000 metric tons of coconuts annually, with 84,000 hectares of land devoted to coconut farming, making it the 18th largest coconut producer in the Philippines. Despite its abundant resources, the province has limited facilities for value-added production, with only one oil mill, one coco-sugar producer, two virgin coconut oil producers, and three coco coir producers.
With 86,000 registered coconut farmers, including landowners, workers, and tenants, the industrial park is expected to provide significant economic opportunities while addressing the current lack of processing facilities. The provincial government is optimistic that the project will unlock the full potential of Northern Samar’s coconut industry and stimulate inclusive growth for its communities.