TACLOBAN CITY- Two virgin coconut oil (VCO) processing plants are set to be constructed here in the region which is expected to help coconut farmers.
An Waray party-list Rep.Florencio “Bem” Noel said that the two processing plants are to be constructed in the towns of Jaro in Leyte province, and Paranas in Samar province.
The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) allocated P17 million for the construction of the two facilities which was proposed under the One Eastern Visayas Food Security and Agricultural Development Plan, Noel said.
“Unlike other produce, VSO has a ready market,” the solon said.
Each facilities will be needing 10,000 coconut husks a day to process VCO which the towns of Jaro and Paranas have the capacity to provide their needs.
Noel said that the PCA had already made an evaluation and already conducted visits at the proposed project sites.
VCO is produce from coconut milk that does not undergoes heat processing as instead uses a cold-processing technology to ensure that its natural goodness, antioxidants in oil, aroma, and nutrients will remain intact.
Aside as food supplement, VCO is also used as an ingredient in other products like soap, massage oils, moisturizing body oil, skin care products and hair conditioners.
In the current problem on coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the government through the Department of Science and Technology, had made a research on VCO as dietary supplement for COVID-19 probable and suspected cases. (ROEL T.AMAZONA)