Caraga Coconut Festival Highlights Innovation and New Opportunities for Farmers
BUTUAN CITY – Coconut farmers, cooperatives, and local entrepreneurs from across the Caraga Region are showcasing a wide range of coconut-based products and agricultural innovations during the 2026 Caraga Coconut Festival, strengthening efforts to expand the region’s growing coconut industry.
Carrying the theme “Niyog 360: One Coconut, Endless Opportunities,” the weeklong festival is being held from May 18 to 24 at Robinsons Place Butuan.
The event is spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry in partnership with the Cooperative Development Authority, Agricultural Training Institute, Philippine Coconut Authority, and Department of Agriculture.
Anchored on the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) under Republic Act No. 11524, the festival promotes modernization in the coconut sector while supporting poverty reduction and sustainable livelihood opportunities for coconut farmers.
Exhibitors from different provinces in Caraga are presenting an array of value-added coconut products, including processed food, delicacies, coconut water blends, vinegar, and virgin coconut oil.
“Most of our products are now displayed at the Agusan del Norte booth, including coconut water with mango and pineapple flavors, virgin coconut oil, vinegar, and delicacies,” said Lovely Shiela Mae Bulfa, production supervisor of Butuan Coconut Products Incorporated.
Bulfa noted that the booth features products from entrepreneurs and cooperatives representing five barangays in Butuan City and two municipalities in Agusan del Norte.
“We are optimistic about creating market opportunities and establishing connections with buyers from other towns and provinces,” she said, adding that visitors continue to patronize their products throughout the festival.
Meanwhile, Pepito Trazo, chairperson of Samahan ng mga Magsasaka sa Cagwait Agriculture Cooperative, said the CFIDP has significantly helped their cooperative and member-farmers.
The cooperative, which has over 100 members managing more than 34 hectares of coconut farms across several barangays in Cagwait, received more than 2,000 dwarf coconut seedlings in 2023 and 3,500 durian seedlings in 2024 through the government program.
“We adopted intercropping by planting coconuts together with durian and cacao,” Trazo said, noting that members are expected to begin harvesting dwarf coconuts and durian within the next two years.
The festival also features learning sessions and discussions on coconut industry development, including presentations from experts on coconut oil production and other high-value coconut-based products.
In a statement, Gay Tidalgo said the activity aims to empower coconut farmers not only as producers but also as entrepreneurs capable of creating competitive, value-added products and sustainable sources of income.
NPO News Team I PNA-PR
