By Doris Isabel J. Racho, DM | 08:31 PM August 23, 2026
Coco wellness demo. Coconut farmers, agricultural extension workers and Department of Agriculture personnel take part in the Coco Wellness Product Demo held on Aug. 21, 2026, in Cebu City, as part of efforts to promote the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP). —Handout
CEBU CITY — Coconut farmers, agricultural extension workers and Department of Agriculture personnel took part in a product demonstration showcasing coconut-based wellness products as part of the 40th Coco Week celebration on Aug. 21 at the Ayala Center Cebu Activity Center.
The Coco Wellness Product Demo was organized by the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center VII (ATI-7) in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority, Department of Trade and Industry and Cooperative Development Authority.
The activity formed part of efforts to promote the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), which seeks to strengthen the coconut industry and improve the livelihood opportunities of coconut farmers.
Since the CFIDP was launched in 2022, government agencies and industry partners have implemented programs aimed at developing the coconut value chain and creating opportunities for value-added coconut products.
Under the theme, “Regenerating the Coconut Economy, Future-Proofing the Coconut Value Chain,” ATI-7 showcased technologies that could help farmers and entrepreneurs move beyond traditional copra production and develop higher-value products.
Dr. Renissa S. Quinonez of Cebu Technological University-Cebu City Campus served as resource person for the demonstration. Participants took part in hands-on sessions on producing coconut-based massage oil, insect-repellent oil and cacao nibs sweetened with coconut sugar.
The products demonstrated potential alternative sources of income for coconut farmers, cacao growers and other rural entrepreneurs.
The coconut-based massage oil, for instance, can be used to ease body aches and muscle fatigue after farm work, while coconut insect-repellent oil can provide protection from insects during agricultural activities. Cacao nibs sweetened with coconut sugar were also presented as a nutritious snack option.
By turning coconut and other agricultural products into marketable wellness commodities, the initiative seeks to help farmers diversify their sources of income and reduce their dependence on copra, whose prices are vulnerable to market fluctuations.
Coco wellness demo. Coconut farmers, agricultural extension workers and Department of Agriculture personnel take part in the Coco Wellness Product Demo held on Aug. 21, 2026, in Cebu City, as part of efforts to promote the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP). —Handout
The activity was managed by Doris Isabel J. Racho of ATI-7, with assistance from Shanemie Carelle Pradera and Rogelio Tasong Jr. of the Information Services Section and support from the FITS Cebu City personnel.
ATI-7-assisted Learning Sites for Agriculture and farmers’ organizations also joined the Coco Week celebration. These included Joseph Agricultural Farm, Loon Small Coconut Farmers Cooperative, Pestales Agri Cooperative, Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative and CG’s Briquettes, which displayed various coconut-based products and enterprise initiatives.
ATI-7 also recognized its Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center partners for helping promote the activity and encourage farmer participation.
FITS Centers serve as community-based hubs that bring agricultural information, technologies and livelihood opportunities closer to farmers.
As part of the celebration, additional equipment was provided to selected FITS Centers to strengthen their services and improve the delivery of agricultural information. Participants also received information, education and communication materials to support their coconut-based enterprises.
The activities underscored ATI-7’s efforts to help coconut farmers and other industry stakeholders develop value-added products and explore new livelihood opportunities under the CFIDP.
