Philam donates P2.5-M to Davao Oriental coco farmers

A TOTAL of P2.5 million was turned over by the Philam Foundation Goodwell Fund Program to help 1,450 small coconut farmers in Davao Oriental.

Farmers will receive a premium price for their copra products and will be able to market their produce to European buyers.

"We are fortunate to have a social enterprise partnership and this is the first in Mindanao," said Tom Villarin, executive director of SIAD Initiatives in Mindanao Convergence for asset Reform and Regional Development Inc. (SIMCARRD).

Proceeds of the exported products will be ploughed back to the community through projects and services administered by SIMCARRD together with the endorsement of the Local Coconut Industry Development Council (LCDIC) that will also be formed in the municipality.

The project dubbed "Intermediation in Copra-Crude Coconut Oil (CNO) Trading for Small Coconut Farmers in Davao Oriental will be able to help three municipalities of Davao Oriental, namely Governor Generoso, Banay-banay and San Isidro.

"Di malulugi ang mga farmers dahil bibilhin natin ito sa kanila. We also have local buyers from Batangas aside from exporting it at mapapabilis ang pag-rolyo in a month's time. May direct access na ang farmers and higher value of their copra products na mas makakadagdag sa kanilang income," Villarin explained.

He added that the two derivatives of copra produce from the farmers will be 65 percent crude coconut oil and 35 percent pellets, while 50 percent of the income accumulated will go directly back for the community's projects like fertilizers and other services needed.

Twenty-five percent, meanwhile, is for the administrative operating expenses and 25 percent will then go to the fund.

"It's our pride to make a difference with the community and touch base in Davao Oriental. With the generated funds from the region, this is also our way giving back to the people who are at the mercy of traders and merchants to have a better take on improving the level of economy," said Rex M. Mendoza, president and chairman of Philam Life Foundation.

Philam Life Foundation is the corporate social responsibility arm of Philam Life and affiliate companies and it envisions an educated nation empowered for the future.

Davao Oriental is the leading coconut producer in the Philippines. It produces an average of one billion nuts annually covering a total crop area of 156,837 hectares. The major products exported by the province through the International Copra Export Corporation are crude oil and copra pellets.