Coco Agri Asenso links Bohol

coconut farmers to markets, financing

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) – The Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) Central Visayas opened the two-day Coco Agri Asenso 2026 on August 5 at the Activity Center of Island City Mall here.

The event brought together coconut farmers, exhibitors, and stakeholders to promote the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) through technology exhibits, value-added coconut products, farm equipment, and training opportunities for Bohol’s coconut farmers and local coconut entrepreneurs.

First-day discussions covered the Coconut Industry Roadmap under the CFIDP, market trends for coconut-based products, and funding and credit opportunities for coconut farmers and businesses.

The second day featured demonstrations of "Coco Wellness" products, technology presentations, and market matching activities connecting local producers with buyers.

Board Member Lucille Lagunay of Bohol’s first district, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Agriculture, represented Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado and read his message.

“To fully maximize the potential of coconut as one of our leading agricultural products, we must continue to empower and capacitate our coconut farmers and other stakeholders so they can cultivate coconut efficiently and effectively," Aumentado said in the message.

Aumentado also thanked the DA-ATI Regional Training Center VII for leading the activity.

DA-ATI RTC VII Career Development and Management Section Chief Ma. Gracia S. Pungay said the caravan showcases innovative coconut-based products, farming technologies, and support services meant to increase farmers' income.

Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Region 7 representative Arven Coriba discussed agency programs, projects, and opportunities under the CFIDP and presented regional coconut industry statistics.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Bohol representative Yoradel Israel discussed global market trends and business opportunities for coconut-based products.

Israel said every part of the coconut generates economic value through high-demand products such as coconut oil, milk, water, sugar, coir fiber, and activated carbon, a concept she described as “One Coconut, Multiple Value Streams.”

She cited opportunities in functional foods, bio-based materials, natural personal care, and sustainable aviation fuel, and said the Philippines continues to pioneer cococellulose technology.

Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) Bohol Lending Center Head John Philip Bael presented credit facilities and investment support under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Lending Program.

Agricultural Credit Policy Council representative Eloiza Marie P. Flores presented additional financing programs and credit assistance to improve farmers' access to capital.

Bohol a finalist in Bayaniyugan Awards

Lagunay said Bohol and Quezon province are finalists for Most Outstanding Provincial Local Government Unit in the Bayaniyugan Awards.

The Bayaniyugan Award is a PCA recognition program for individuals, organizations, cooperatives, local government units, and institutions that have contributed to the development of the Philippine coconut industry. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)

The charcoal briquette product manufactured in Dauis town drew attention during the Coco Agri Asenso 2026 event held at Island City Mall in Tagbilaran City on August 5–6, 2026. Made from 100% natural coconut shells, cassava flour, and water, these briquettes offer a cleaner, longer-burning, and eco-friendly alternative for grilling. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)

44,140 beneficiaries in Bohol receive

second tranche of Bagong Pilipinas rice

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) — A total of 44,140 beneficiaries from marginalized and vulnerable sectors in 23 local government units (LGUs) in Bohol received the second tranche of rice assistance under the Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program from July 14 to 31.

The Bohol provincial government began distributing 10 kilograms of rice per beneficiary to indigent families on July 14.

The program is funded through the national government’s Local Government Support Fund–Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (LGSF-FA to LGUs), with a total allocation of P196 million.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced the expanded LGSF at the launch of the “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” program in Malacañang on Feb. 23, 2026, as part of the national government’s effort to address food insecurity and support vulnerable households.

The President ordered the direct release of the funds to LGUs to streamline processes and accelerate implementation.

The provincial government allocated a P11-million counterpart fund, while participating LGUs provided additional support for families not on the initial beneficiary list.

The following LGUs received the second tranche, with the corresponding number of beneficiaries: Alburquerque, 701; Alicia, 1,504; Anda, 1,088; Baclayon, 1,387; Balilihan, 1,204; Bien Unido, 2,000; Candijay, 1,887; Carmen, 3,200; Clarin, 1,503; Corella, 603; Cortes, 1,157; Dauis, 3,607; Dimiao, 952; Garcia Hernandez, 1,500; Maribojoc, 1,358; Pilar, 1,760; President Carlos P. Garcia, 2,071; Sierra Bullones, 1,595; Sikatuna, 430; Tagbilaran City, 3,000; Talibon, 4,457; Ubay, 5,720; and Valencia, 1,456.

Among those who received rice in Maribojoc on July 23 was Mercedita Ladera, 51, a Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiary.

“Nalipay ko kaayo sa gihatag nga ayuda nga bugas kay nakapuno kini sa among konsumo tungod kay 6 me kabuok sa among pamilya. Nagpasalamat ko kay daku kini og ikatabang sa among pamilya isip miyembro sa 4Ps,” Ladera said.

(I am very happy with the rice assistance provided, as it helps meet the consumption needs of our family of six. I am grateful because this is a big help to our family as a 4Ps member.)

Beneficiaries are drawn from indigent and vulnerable households identified by LGUs under Department of Budget and Management–Department of the Interior and Local Government (DBM-DILG) Joint Circular No. 1, series of 2026, which governs the release and use of LGSF-FA funds for the Assistance to Indigent Individuals or Families–Food Assistance (AIIF-FA) Rice Distribution Project.

The program targets households facing economic hardship or food insecurity, with beneficiary lists validated by local officials.

Distribution continues in other municipalities in Bohol. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)

A total of 1,358 beneficiaries in Maribojoc, Bohol received the second tranche of the Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program at the Maribojoc Cultural Center on July 23. (ECB/PIA-7 Bohol)