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INTRODUCTION
Agriculture is the backbone of the Philippine economy. The Philippines, after Indonesia,
is the world's second largest producer of coconut products. As a result, the coconut industry is
one of the most important sources of employment in the Philippines in which Coconut-based
products have experienced strong global export growth as a result of rising global demand.
Traditional coconut products in the Philippines include copra, copra meal, coconut oil, desiccated
coconut, coconut shell charcoal, activated carbon, and oleo chemicals while the non-traditional
coconut products include coco chemicals, coconut food, and non-food products. Fresh coconuts,
grated coco meat, coco flour, nata de coco, coconut water, coconut milk powder, liquid coconut
milk, macapuno, frozen coco meat, coconut chips, and coco jam are among the non-traditional
coconut food products exported by the Philippines (Vancouver Philippine Consulate General,
2020d). The Philippines also exports to major markets non-food coconut products, such as coco
shell powder, virgin coconut oil, hydrogenated coconut oils, coco handicrafts, and coco
productive employment, value-added generation, and innovation. It has the highest multiplier
effect on the economy than other sectors. Many services exist because of manufacturing, and
many service jobs will disappear if manufacturing disappears. One subsector of the
Figure 1. Philippine Coconut Industry Statistics ( Source: Vancouver Philippine Consulate General,
2020e)
Transition Report of the last leadership in the Department of Agriculture (DA), a great deal of
importance was given to the Philippine coconut industry. This stands to reason because 69 out of
82 provinces in the country produce coconut, as shown in Figure 2 below. Shown in Figure 3
below, the industry covers about 3.62 million hectares, about a third of the total farm land, and
69 Provinces,
84% of the
Country
provides an estimated 2.5 million farmers with employment. As of 2018, it was estimated that the
Philippines had 347 million fruit-bearing coconut trees and a total production (in metric tons) of
As of 2015, domestic consumption of coconut in copra terms was 0.835 million metric tons
7.24 mil-
lion
hectares
(Philippine Coconut Authority, 2018). The Philippines also remains to be the second-largest producer of
coconut among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), wherein it comprises almost 40%
of ASEAN’s total coconut production (FAOStat, 2018). Major producers of coconut in the Philippines
include the regions of CALABARZON, Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao, and Northern Mindanao. Being
referred to as the “tree of life” due to its wide array of uses, coconut is mainly exported as products like
virgin coconut oil (VCO) and desiccated coconut (Coconut – Industry Strategic Science and Technology
It is the largest employer of agricultural land and labor in the Philippines (Clarete and
Roumasset, 1983). The coconut industry significantly impacts the country's economy, providing
livelihoods to millions of Filipinos, particularly those in rural areas. Due to the performance of
coconut in the economy as the major source of income, it is considered as a predictor of the
general economic activity of the country. Copra is one of southern Palawan’s main agricultural
products, However copra’s buying prices continuously drop due to its uncertain demands in the
local and global market which has greatly affected the local farmers.
The coconut industry is one of the country's major pillars in employment generation and
foreign exchange earnings. However, local production problems, the expansion in coconut
competing crops that have high lauric oil content might affect its longterm sustainability and
viability. In a highly liberalized global trade environment, innovation and creativity in the
country's coconut industry are needed for survival (Boceta, 1997). In order for the Philippines to
be globally competitive, the country must exert all efforts to increase coconut productivity, lower
the cost of processing copra, coconut oil, dessicated coconut, and other coconut products,
improve the quality of copra and coconut oil, and develop downstream high-value coconut
exportation, the country must make an exert efforts to boost and increase the coconut
productivity, reduce the cost of processing copra, coconut oil, desiccated coconut, and many
other coconut products, enhancing the quality of copra and coconut oil, and develop downstream
Among the various agricultural products cultivated in the Philippines, coconuts hold a
special place due to their versatility and wide-ranging applications. With its abundant coconut
plantations and favorable climate, Palawan emerges as an ideal location for the establishment of
the Proposed Brooke’s Point Coconut Agro-industry Center aimed at enhancing coconut
and development networks established by PCARRD and the DA-BARANGAY PCA-ARDB has
the overall control and direction of three national coconut research centers such as those; Albay
Research Center, the Davao Research Center, and the Zamboanga Research Center, two coconut
seed gardens which are the Coconut Seed Production Center and the Campung Ulay Seed
Garden), and a Coconut Breeding Trials Unit (PCA, 1998). It also has a support department, the
Agricultural Research and Management Department (ARMD). The following research center
Facilities has been a great help in supporting the development of Coconut Production and has
Palawan. It has geographic coordinates of latitude 8°57’0” N and longitude 117°57’0” E in the
northeast (Barangay Calasaguen) and latitude 8°43’30” N and longitude 117°40’30” E in the
Princesa City and 759 kilometers southwest of the national capital of Manila. The place is
mostly accessible by land transport from Puerto Princesa and neighboring municipalities.
Its administrative borders are bounded by three municipalities and one waterbody, as shown in
Figure 4. Namely, these are the municipality of Sofronio Española in the north, Sulu Sea in the
east, the municipality of Bataraza in the south, and the municipality of Rizal in the west.
The land of the municipality is distinctly divided into two. The western side is where the
MMPL is situated while the eastern side consists of mostly flat land, dotted with mangrove
forests along the coastline that faces the Sulu Sea (Amigo et al., 2017).
Firgure 4. Location Map of Brooke’s Point, Palawan (Source: Amigo et al., 2017)
Agricultural Sector
Agriculture plays an important role in the municipality of Brooke’s Point. As the Coconut
Capital of Palawan, the municipality places huge importance in its primary crop, coconuts, which
is manifested in the large land area allotted for its production. Aside from this, Brooke’s point
also contains 16 rural areas and 2 urban areas where approximately 87% of the population are
found in rural areas which are reliant on agriculture (Amigo et al., 2017).
The Agricultural Sector is composed of the following: (1) Crops; (2) Livestock and
Poultry; and (3) Fisheries. The sector will also include the discussion of the NPAAAD/SAFDZ
Crops
As of 2011, Brooke’s Point has a total municipal agricultural land area of 28,928 ha or
There were four major crops identified in Brooke’s Point: (1) coconut; (2) rice; (3) corn;
and (4) banana as seen in Table 57. Several potential crops also exist such as Palm Oil and
Cacao, which may soon overtake some of the major crops in terms of volume of production and
allotted land area due to recent initiatives for development (Larsen, Dimaano, & Pido, 2014).
coconut plantations with an area of 15,112.79 ha or 69.27% of total land devoted to crop
production. This is followed by rice with 3,703.85 ha or 14.59%, corn with 757 ha or 3.47% and
In terms of total volume of production, Brooke’s Point is dominated by the primary crop,
the coconut, with a recorded produce a total of volume of 60,451.16 metric tons. This is followed
again by rice at 12,476.26 metric tons, banana at 7,130.00 metric tons despite
its relatively small area for production due to its high rate of production at 20 metric tons
per hectare then by totality root crops 3,700.00 metric tons due to the massive average
Based on the Municipal (CLUP) Comprehensive Land Use Plan (2000-2010) of the
municipality, 27,949.67 hectares (or 92.98% of the manipulative/multiple use land) are devoted
to agricultural purposes and are being utilized for production of major crops.
Brooke’s Point has a large factory of coconuts trees. They sell coconut products to locals
and exports in other countries. Coconut is one of the sources of different products like coconut
oil, coconut soaps, coconut oil, and coconut water, various decorations and souvenirs.
Brooke’s Point celebrates Kaniyog’n Festival that features coconut products, coconut
designed floats and street dancing every month of March. It is also celebrated with trade fairs,
cultural and contemporary shows, sports activities and a beauty pageant. Kaniyog’n (Kaniyogan)
Their main source of income is young coconut and copra, which are only sold for a fair or
sometimes low price market value as dictated by the buyers and traders. Their income was barely
enough to support their everyday food for their families. The municipality of Brooke’s Point has
potential for industrial development. This is due to the fact that the municipality has a rich
natural resource base which can serve as raw materials. Majority of which come into food
production and processing. Uniquely, the municipality also contains cultural practices that
generate income.
Development Challenges
Despite its potential, the Palawan coconut industry faces a number of challenges that
hinders its growth and development. These challenges include low productivity, insufficient
processing facilities, innovations, limited market access, and vulnerability to the effects of
climate change. Addressing these challenges presents an opportunity to unlock the full potential
agricultural production sufficient only for immediate consumption. As it does not require a high
yield, it usually comes in the form of traditional or conventional farming but also denotes the
This agricultural practice undergoes numerous pressures. Without proper equipment and
sufficient compost material, intensive labor is required to produce a certain yield. Other than that,
there are also pests which may threaten the quantity of production as well as insufficient land
Overall, for the agricultural sector, the identified primary solution is proper education and
training. This can help the practicing farmers and fishers the importance of sustainability and
resource management as well as proper farming/fishing practices. This could also give
qualifications for livelihood alternative. With regards to land, the DAR (MARO for the
municipality) is granting CARPable areas and Agrarian Reform Communities that are suitable
Tourism
Tourism can be an effective strategy for economic growth. This includes the development
of local establishments, attractions and support facilities as well as the endorsement of unique
histories, cultures and traditions. As development is not only associated with the generation of
income, it can be seen that well developed infrastructures are also visually appealing which in
turn have multiple functions. This creates a healthy working environment and acts as a
As of 2016, Brooke’s Point has a total of 14,943 local tourists/visitors and 173 foreign
tourists/visitors. With regards to Figure 34 and 35, it can be seen that the year 2016 is not the
highest record for tourist arrivals for both local and foreign. The year 2013 has the highest
number of accommodated tourists for both local and foreign which declined drastically the
following year. For local tourist arrivals, there is a slow increase in accommodation. On the other
hand, the number of foreign visitors continue to decline each year. This could entail that there is
a need for tourism related developments such as documentaries, endorsements and various
Agriculture plays an important role in the municipality of Brooke’s Point. As the Coconut
Capital of Palawan, the municipality places huge importance on its primary crop, coconuts,
which is manifested in the large land area allotted for its production. Brooke's Point in Palawan,
known for its fertile lands and abundant natural resources, holds immense potential for the
coconut sector. By establishing a Coconut Agro- EcoTourism Center in Brooke's Point, the
community can harness the benefits of research, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.
Establishing a Coconut Agro- EcoTourism Center in Brooke's Point, Palawan holds the
community empowerment with initiatives aligned with the Philippines' agricultural development
goals. This thesis aims to delve deeper into the potential impacts and challenges for the
establishment and operation of research center and commerce hub in the coconut industry as it
plays a vital role in the economy, contributing significantly to agricultural output, export
earnings, and livelihoods. The Proposed Brooke’s Point Coconut Agro- EcoToursim Center also
supports agritourism that would benefit the community and also place for visitors where good
experience and memories can be built. Farmers and Visitors can learn about coconut farming,
processing, and product creation, which promotes cultural interaction and generates revenue for
the local community. The proposed projects have the potential to empower local communities by
providing them with the knowledge, techniques, tools, information, innovations and resources
they need to participate in the coconut sector which has the potential to reduce poverty as well as
This center aims to serve as a hub for research, training, market access and development
of new practices in coconut cultivation and processing. It aims to promote sustainable farming
methods, increase crop yields, improve coconut product quality, open up new opportunities for
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https://www.vancouverpcg.org/vpcg-resources/yamang-pinoy/yamang-pinoy-
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bureau
Admin. (2022b, August 10). Establishing the Davao Food Processing Innovation Center - DAP.
DAP. https://coe-psp.dap.edu.ph/compendium-innovation/establishing-the-davao-food-
processing-innovation-center/
Coconut – Industry Strategic Science and Technology Plans (ISPs) platform. (n.d.-b).
https://ispweb.pcaarrd.dost.gov.ph/isp-commodities/coconut/
Boceta, N. 1997. The Sun Is Still Rising on the Tree of Life. In: The Food and Agriculture
https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=6a4c0ed2837cb30b58
dbcf917635460cf2b52d72
Exploring Brooke’s Point, Palawan. (n.d.).
https://www.palawancentral.com/explore/read/14/#:~:text=Brooke's%20Point%20celebra
tes%20Kaniyog'n,(Kaniyogan)%20means%20coconut%20plantation.
Amigo, L., Bravo, Z., Inzon, R., & Mane, V. (2017, June). ECAN RESOURCE
ERMP.pdf.
https://pcsd.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/05_Brookes-Point-ERMP.pdf
Larsen, R. K., Dimaano, F., & Pido, M. D. (2014). The emerging oil palm agro-industry in
https://www.seiinternational.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/SEIWorkingPap
er-Larsen-PalmOilPalawan-24-Sep.pdf