Cocoscope 3rd qtr issue by Catherine Rose Durand

July-Sept. 2013, Vol. 4, Issue 3

PHILIPPINE COCONUT AUTHORITY FIELD SERVICES BRANCH COCONUT EXTENSION TRAINING CENTER

12th National Coconut Festival

Can Coconut Oil Make you Smarter? Find Out What Agriculturists Need Get to Know the First Tuba Export Results Are in: B5 On-Road Test

Words

from

the

Editor

This is a good year to celebrate! As we recognize the milestones of the coconut industry, we dedicate this issue to the 27th National Coconut Week and 12th National Coconut Festival with the theme, “Biyaya ng Niyugan, Kaunlaran ng Bayan.” The celebration aims to highlight the growing number of products and research development in the coconut industry. With the many benefits of coconut oil, can it also be a potential brain-enhancing product? Find out with Dr. Custer Deocaris, a neuro-scientist specializing in the field of learning and memory, as he explains how the medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil enhance human cognitive performance. Continuing the legacy of Dr. Condrado Dayrit, Dr. Fabian “Toby” Dayrit launches a follow up to his father’s book. “Coconut Oil: from Diet to Therapy” tells you the myths surrounding coconut oil and the supporting scientific studies debunking it. As we move forward in strengthening our industry, we give you the result of the on-road and vehicle testing of B5 in public utility jeepneys. B5 is a mandatory increase in CME biodiesel blend, from 2% to 5%. The higher CME blend aims to reduce fuel importation and smoke emissions. Lastly, we tell you the story behind Vacal Vino de Coco, the first export Tuba wine. From a humble beginning to a triumphant feat, Vino de Coco is truly a product we can be proud of. The year is not over. The Philippine Coconut Authority still has many things to accomplish. We thank the PCA officers and extension workers for their continuing effort to promote the ever expanding coconut products and for giving technical support to the growing investors and product innovators of our industry. Above all, we thank the heart of our industry, the coconut farmers: the hands that industriously plant the coconut seedlings into the earth, the dedication that made these coconuts thrive, and the faith that this passion will be handed to the next generation. We celebrate every milestone with you.

COCOSCOPE is published quarterly by the Coconut Extension Training Center (CETC) of the Philippine Coconut Authority, Field Services Branch as a vehicle of information for coconut and oil palm farmers and farmworkers, extension workers, entrepreneurs, and policy makers of the industry. The CETC welcomes articles, manuscripts, artworks and photographs which shall be considered for publication. Please send your contributions to CETC email ad: pcacetc@yahoo.com.ph. Loss or damage, however, of the materials is not the responsibility of COCOSCOPE.

THE COVER

ABOUT

Featured in this quarter’s cover are three of the many remarkable products from coconut. PCA’s Cocoweek Celebration commemorates these ever expansive products and encourages industry players and the public to support the coconut industry. By strengthening our support in the industry, we help improve the lives of the coconut farmers and ultimately contribute to the growth of the Philippine economy.

INSIDE HIGHLIGHTS

3 4 5 9

Can Coconut Oil Make Us Smarter? Champions of VCO Launch Latest Book Result of B5 On-Road Test in Public Transport Vino de Coco: Tuba At Its Best!

EMERGING PRODUCT

Coconut Fiber Scrunch for Decors and Packaging

Say Coconut Cheese! Try our Cheesy Recipe

COCOCIPE

BEHIND THE SCENES Editorial Adviser ROEL M. ROSALES Editor in Chief EDGAR T. BAHALA Writers/Associate Editors ARACELI A. LOYOLA, ALGERICO M. BOLOS, MARIANITA N. EROY, RHOIELIZA E. RECLA, JONAS AMOR G. SOBREPEÑA Managing Editor CARMENCITA L. DE LEON Layout/Writer/ Production CATHERINE ROSE B. BENGAN

PCA MANAGEMENT Administrator

EUCLIDES G. FORBES

Deputy Administrator Field Services Branch

ROEL M. ROSALES

OIC Deputy Administrator Trade & Market Development Branch

LUCITA M. FALCATAN

Deputy Administrator Research Development & Extension Branch

CARLOS B. CARPIO

Deputy Administrator Corporate Services Branch

JAVIER S. TAYAG

Deputy Administrator

2013 Coco Week Celebration The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), in coordination with the private sector, spearheaded the celebration of the 27th National Coconut Week and 12th National Coconut Festival at the Mega Trade Hall 1, SM Mega Mall, Mandaluyong City last August 28 -31, 2013. With the theme “Biyaya ng Niyugan, Kaunlaran ng Bayan,” this year’s celebration gives the spotlight to the ever growing coconut products. According to PCA Administrator Euclides G. Forbes, the event is a venue for information sharing, market matching, trading activities and showcasing the best of the coconut food and non-food products from the various coco-based companies from all over the country. The entrance fee for the annual event was free of charge where visitors tasted sample coconut products and listened to lectures on the latest technologies. This was also an occasion for PCA to share accomplishments as well as provide updates on various projects and researches for coconut farmers. Included in the activities were: Product Launching and Promotion; Seminar on Standards of Quality and Safety of Sugar; and latest result of on-road and vehicle testing of B5 in public transport. There was also a search for the Best Product Innovation, which was awarded to Mr. Manuel B. Alcala from Region IX, for developing a marble-like coconut shell board and coconut shell jars. PCA-Product Development Department also organized a feeding program for the students of San Vicente Elementary School, Quezon City where kids tasted cocobased food such as choco milk drink, pandesal and cheese. A special feature of the event is the launching of Dr. Fabian Dayrit’s book entitled “Coconut: From Diet to Therapy.”

Samuel B. Alcala, from Zamboanga Del Norte, poses with his decorative jars displayed at the PCA-Region IX booth.

Attendees of the Cocoweek celebration try the latest coco product, coconut cheese.

Before proceeding with the feeding program activity, the students play games and win exciting prizes.

Source: COCONUT MEDIA SERVICE

CocoScope July-Sept 2013

"With the National Coconut Week we can show to the public, especially local and international traders, the new products from coconut such as the virgin coconut oil, coconut sugar, coconut syrup, coconut water, coconut ice cream and many more from the creative minds of the Filipinos. This is one way of showing them what we can do with coconuts.” DA SECRETARY PROCESO J. ALCALA

"The government through Secretary of Agriculture Proceso Alcala and President Benigno Aquino Jr. is giving their all-out support to develop the coconut industry up to its most efficient and productive level and on this note it is part of the celebration." ADMIN EUCLIDES G. FORBES

“We are willing to give training and equipment as long as you create enterprises in your respective places.” ATTY. RHAEGEE TAMAÑA SEN. CYNTHIA VILLAR CHIEF OF STAFF

"Rising from the latest challenge brought by Pablo, we look forward to work closely with the Philippine Coconut Authority. I'm glad PCA implemented programs that will build the industry not only Davao Oriental but in the entire country." GOV. CORAZON T. MALANYAON DAVAO ORIENTAL

CocoScope July-Sept 2013

S THGILHGIH What we know is that glucose is the main food for our Simple? Just remember these key words: Hunger, brain. Thinking it would help us study for an exam or report, Ketogenic diet, MCTs and Ketones. we devour as many chocolates and candies as possible, a kind Through a study by a group of scientists, Dr. Deocaris of sugar rush for our brain. also showed the anti-depressant properties of Ketogenic diet. What we do not know is our brain has other sources of He also added, through his own studies, that the diet is an antienergy. And this is where coconut oil enters the picture. ageing intervention. In his talk "Can Coconut Improve your Coconut?” Indeed, a Coconut Oil MCT nutraceutical can be Dr. Custer C. Deocaris explains the potential of coconut oil packaged in a lot of ways given the other health benefits of MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) to improve cognitive coconut. performance. His talk is a result of his review and analysis of “What if we can create something, a very easy drink literature on the possible direction of the coconut industry in that can induce ketogenesis using coconut oil what will be producing nutraceuticals. the possible impacts on our society, especially when there are Dr. Deocaris took his undergraduate degree from the many poor people? We don’t only make people happier but we National Institute of Molecular Biology at the University of the can also create interventions to give hope,” Deocaris said. Philippines Diliman and his graduate degree at the University Dr. Deocaris imagines a product that is more like a of Tokyo with a dissertation on ageing, immortalization and milkshake, a delicious treat that can make you smart, happy carcinogenesis. He is currently a professional lecturer and has and will also make you beautiful. his own radio program. Now that’s one man’s vision. It’s still up to the industry A neuroscientist studying the field of learning and players and policy makers to make this vision come true. memory, Dr. Deocaris got interested in MCTs because of its potential as a brain enhancing product. His talk explains how MCTs can be used to stimulate brain cells to switch to a ketogenic mode and induce neurogenesis. And coconut oil, which roughly contains 60% of MCTs, would be the ideal source in developing a brain nutraceutical, which Deocaris said has not been developed yet. Therefore, he for July-Sept a 8 called CocoScope 2013 clinical study to explore this potential and create a product that can have a wide impact on our nation. But how did our PINOY SCIENTIST come up with such conclusion?

Here are the facts •

Can Coconut Oil Make Us Smarter? by Catherine Rose B. Bengan

Aside from exercise, mental activities and novel environments another way to improve learning and memory is for us to be hungry.

•

Ketogenic diet, a high-fat, low-protein, low-carbohydrate diet, allows us to be hungry without feeling the hunger. However, you need 90% of your energy to come from fats.

•

Luckily you can reduce your energy from fats by 60-50% using Medium-Chain Triglycerides or MCTs, which are abundant in Coconut Oil.

•

MCTs are fats that are processed differently by our body. Unlike the Long-Chain Triglycerides (LCTs), MCTs go straight to your liver to be converted to ketone bodies.

•

Ketones are immediately released into our bloodstream and into our brain to be used as fuel.

CocoScope July-Sept 2013

Dr. Deocaris during the 2013 Cocoweek Celebration. He hosts and produces his own radio program called PINOY SCIENTIST.

HIGHLIGHTS

CHAMPIONS OF VCO LAUNCH LATEST BOOK by Catherine Rose B. Bengan

Continuing what his father started, Dr. Fabian "Toby" Dayrit revealed the latest on coconut oil with his book, "Coconut Oil: From Diet to Therapy." The book contains recent studies and serves as a follow up to “The Truth About Coconut Oil,” the first book of his father, the late Dr. Conrado Dayrit, one of the pioneers of the Philippine cardiology, and a fervent champion of coconut oil. The book launching was one of the highlights during the 27th National Coconut Week and 12th National Coconut Festival. Dr. Toby, himself, is a distinguished academician of the National Academy of Science and Technology since 2009, a professor at the Department of Chemistry of Ateneo de Manila University and served as the Dean of the university's School of Science and Engineering. He is currently the President of the Integrated Chemist of the Philippines. Present during the launching was former Department of Health (DOH) Secretary and brother of the author, Manolito Dayrit. He said that the book is part of an "unfinished agenda", that is the struggle to get VCO better understood in the world. "This is going to be a generational change and a number of things have to happen in order to make that change realized," he added. The book accounts, the myths surrounding coconut oil and the supporting scientific journals debunking it. One of those myths is that coconut oil can cause cardio-vascular diseases, a misconception widely believed in the United States, preventing coconut oil from entering their pharmaceutical market. In her speech, Dr. Vermen M. Verallo Rowell, a dermatologist and derma-pathologist, urged the policy makers to capitalize on the anti-inflammatory quality of coconut oil,

citing skin diseases as visible signs of inflammation. Reynaldo Jun Pacheco, spokesperson of Virgin Coconut Oil Association of the Philippines (VCOP), deemed the book as an excellent reference material for coconut researchers, young scientists and policy makers. With all the information from online articles, anecdotal stories and related scientific journals regarding VCO, there is a need to sift through all of them and find out the truth about this highly talk about product. Indeed, Dr. Toby’s book is an excellent start.

Dr. Fabian “Toby” Dayrit answers questions about his book during the Q and A portion.

CocoScope July-Sept 2013

HIGHLIGHTS

COCO

BIODIESEL To Reduce Fossil Fuel Importation And Smoke Emissions by Algerico M. Bolos

The Philippine Coconut Authority in collaboration with the University of the Philippines-National Center for Transportation Studies (UP-NCTS) launched the on-road test of B5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C;diesel fuel that contains 5% biofuel to seven (7) transport vehicles last July 30, 2013. The Biodiesel/Biofuel program is one of the programs under the Alternative Fuel Program of the Department of Energy to reduce our dependence on imported oil and provide cost-efficient and environment-friendly alternatives to fossil fuels. Coco-Biodiesel is a fuel extracted from Coconut Methyl Ester or CME. According to the Department of Energy, the medium carbon chain of CocoBiodiesel offers excellent lubricity, solvency and detergency compared to other forms of biodiesel. Studies also show that the addition of Coco-Biodiesel results in better combustion, less pollution, and more engine power; the engines run smoothly and with longer maintenance intervals. In 2007, the Philippines implemented a mandatory one-percent blend (B1) of Coco-Biodiesel and in 2009 increased this to two-percent (B2). During the first quarter of 2013, following the assurance by Agriculture officials that the coconut industry can supply enough coconut oil to power the transport sector, the National Biofuels Board (NBB) approved the increase in the mandated biodiesel blend from 2% to 5%. During the test, the seven jeepneys used 2% blend for the first five daysthe level right now set by law â&#x20AC;&#x201C; then a 5% blend for the last 20 days. The jeepneys were tested for fuel economy, power efficiency and smoke emission levels.

B5 ON-ROAD TEST RESULT As to the B5 blend, the visible cloud of black smoke consisting of carbon and sulphur, common for B2, is reduced by as much as 80%. Carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas dominant in automotive emissions, mainly contributes to serious air pollutants such as black smoke and air toxins that cause lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis, pneumonia, bronchitis, heart attack, and global warming. On fuel efficiency, B2 gave an average of 5.53 kms per liter, while B5 mileage is increased by 6% or 5.9 kms per liter. Relative to their respective mileage per liter, B2 incurred 7.78 peso/km while B5 incurred 7.34. Therefore, the savings is P0.44 per km. Given an average travel distance of 87.96 kms per day, the savings would be around Php 40.00 /day.

The public utility jeepneys with the B5 blend fuel. The vehicles were tested for fuel economy, power efficiency and smoke emission levels.

EMISSION RESULT Basically, all the vehicles passed the emission test before the B2 and after the B5 run with an over-all reduction of opacity (high opacity indicate engine malfunction and increased emissions of air pollutants) of around 12%.

CocoScope July-Sept 2013

Social Impact of B5 Blend

•

Will benefit 3.5M coconut farmers and 20M Filipinos dependent on the coconut industry;

•

Strengthen the domestic market for coconut which will create a P19.6B – income as B5 means greater demand for CNO. The country would also save as much as 15.5B on fuel displacement.

•

Reduce the dependence on imported fuels with due regard to the protection of public health, the environment and the natural ecosystem consistent with the country’s sustainable economic growth that would expand opportunities for livelihood.

•

About 1,099 CME plant workers, 13,183 coconut oil milling workers and 23,070 farm workers will be hired or employed.

•

Coconut farmers all-over the country will benefit P4.838M per year from the lien at P0.5/liter collected through the Social Amelioration and Welfare Program (SAWP) of the Department of Labor and Employment.

ORGANIC FARMING

Farming the EMAN Way

Mr. Ben Lao (middle) during the Cocoweek 2013 with RM Rex Buac, Dr. Liberty Canja, Juvy Alayon and William Mortalla

EMAN is a concoction developed by Mr. Benjamin Lao, a GAWAD SAKA 2008 national awardee for coconut farming. A devoted practitioner of organic farming, Mr. Ben Lao maintains a healthy farm environment without dousing his plants with harmful chemicals. This organic concoction helps control pests and provides additional nutrients to your plants. Luckily, Mr. Lao shares the secret to his effective formula.

To make your own EMAN spray do the following steps 1. You need: - 4 gal of goat urine - 10 kg of goat manure - 3 kg panyawan - 2 kg of hot pepper - 3 kg lemon grass - 3 kg leaves and flowers of cosmos plant - 30 gallons of water

Dr. Karl Vergel receives a Certificate of Appreciation for presenting the result of the B5 Roadtest during the Cocoweek 2013.

SOURCE: Coconut Media Service Website, Department of Energy

2. Slice, pound and mix panyawan, hot pepper, lemon grass, leaves and flowers of cosmos plant. Put the mixture inside a drum including goat urine, goat manure and water. 3. Ferment the mixture overnight. 4. Before spraying, it is best to add coco-based soap or virgin coconut oil to the mixture.

SOURCE: Mr. Benjamin Lao.

CocoScope July-Sept 2013

Theme:

B I YA YA N G N I Y U G A N K

DavOr Gov. Corazon T. Malanyaon initiates the ribbon cutting ceremony assisted by DA Sec. Proceso J. Alcala and PCA Admin Euclides G. Forbes.

The entrance of the 27th National Coconut Week and 12th National Festival held at SM Megamall Mega Trade Hall, Mandaluyong City.

CocoScope July-Sept 2013

Photo taken during the joint activity held in San Luis, A Included in the photo are San Luis Mayor Anabelle C. T RM Domingo D. Frugal of PCA Regions I-IVB and PCA A

Former DOH Secretary Manolito Da a speech during the book launching

K A U N L A R A N N G B AY A N

Aurora on August 21, 2013. Tangson. Next on her right is Aurora personnel.

ayrit delivers g activity.

DA Carlos B. Carpio and PCA Regional Managers during the launching of Dr. Fabian Dayritâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (in white) new book.

PDD Dept. Manager Dina B. Masa with students of San Vicente Elementary School during the celebrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feeding program.

CocoScope July-Sept 2013

HIGHLIGHTS

TUBA AT ITS BEST Vino De Coco by Catherine Rose B. Bengan

A THREE EXOTIC FLAVORS SWEET WHITE Stories get shared. The newest varietal, Vacal Vino de Coco’s Sweet White, brings a crisp and exciting addition to our line up. Sure to please, this white wine is sweet and flowery evoking a positive feeling that makes you want to share fun stories.

DRY RED Hearts get warmer. Vacal Vino de Coco’s original varietal, Dry Red, offers a smooth entry with a delightful finish. Preferred amongst most wine enthusiasts, the Dry Red is often described as a pleasant heart warmer.

SWEET RED Smiles get wider. Vacal Vino de Coco’s succeeding varietal, Sweet Red, provides a semisweet version of the original varietal. The Sweet Red delivers the right amount of sweetness that will make your smile nice and wide.

Source: Vino de Coco poster

CocoScope July-Sept 2013

s an alcoholic drink, coconut wine or fermented sap has been around for centuries. It is often referred as a poor man’s drink because of its inexpensive distillation process. It is mostly enjoyed during fiestas in local communities. In the Visayas, they call it Tuba, Bahal or Bahalina while people in Luzon know the drink as Lambanog. The difference between Tuba in the two regions is the mixture and color. Lambanog is the pure sap (no barok/tungog mix) almost colorless or milky white in color. In Leyte, Tuba is the product of mixing coconut sap with Barok/Tungog (a bark of a mangrove tree), which makes Tuba red in color comparable to red grape wine. Some would argue that Bahalina, which is aged for years, is already a high-quality product. But why does this century old drink not given its big break in the international market? “It boils down to bad practice,” says Christopher Esperas, Marketing Manager of Vacal Vino de Coco. He added that this bad practice of our ancestors has been passed on for generations and they never bothered to improve it. Their product, Vacal Vino de Coco, is a tuba that has been leveled up to export quality with the help of new technologies, government trainings and the owner’s impeccable winemaking skills. So how did they start?

(LEFT TO RIGHT): Vino de Coco Marketing Manager Christopher Esperas, PCA-Region VIII PDO Joel O. Pilapil, PCA-DA Carlos B. Carpio, Tila and George Paraliza, PDD Department Manager Dina B. Masa and PCA-Region VIII RM Edilberto V. Nierva.

THE BEGINNING

The owner’s name is George Vacal Paraliza.

George left his life in Leyte to pursue a

career in the United States. He had a successful

“He had a dream…to someday come back and do something with Tuba: level

stint in the petroleum industry as an engineer.

it up, export it, create employment in the

Outside his job, he enjoyed making wine and

region and do something good for the

sharing it to his family and friends. When he was a child, he had always loved drinking Tuba.

Philippines.”

-Anthony Paraliza

“He had a dream…” says his son and

Vice President of the company, Anthony Paraliza “...to someday come back and do something with

Vice President, Vino de Coco

Tuba: level it up, export it, create employment in the region and do something good for the Philippines.”

Unfortunately, prior to George’s retirement

he suffered two strokes. His life changed from an active lifestyle to being stationed in his computer.

Without losing an inch of hope, he turned

to his wife, Tila and said, “I still want to chase my dreams. I still have a brain. I may be limited physically but I know I can make this happen.”

Vacal Vino de Coco Vice President Anthony Paraliza during the launching of their product at the Cocoweek 2013 celebration.

CocoScope July-Sept 2013

COMING HOME

PHILIPPINE PRIDE With their exposure to various international trade shows, Christopher Esperas said that this is the first coconut wine to be exported abroad, a feat not only for their company but also for the coconut industry. There is an emerging trend in the international market to produce healthy alcoholbased drinks. With the many health benefits of

CocoScope July-Sept 2013

PHOTO: www.vacalvinodecoco.com

With his wife, George came home to the Philippines. Despite the risk, he invested his lifelong savings to jump-start their business. The couple established their winery in Tacloban City, Leyte back in 2010. They later renamed it to Vino de Coco in April of 2011. They bought their raw materials directly from the farmers who were paid in cash. Before long their tanks were filling-up with wine. “My father’s vision stopped at making a great wine, making a great product but the marketing of the product was not his thing,” says Anthony. Last January 2013, Anthony came to the Philippines to help his father. He, along with Christopher Esperas, is responsible for marketing the product. Indeed, by June 2013, they started selling faster than they can make the wine. Recently, they launched their first container to China for two international trade shows. They sent a thousand cases which were showcased in the 10th China ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), Nanning, Guangxi Province, China from September 3-6, 2013 and the 17th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT), Xiamen, Fuijian Province, China from September 8-11, 2013. Not only that, Anthony said the United States is anticipating their product. “We created a lot of buzz at the Pistahan Festival in San Francisco. He added that Filipinos abroad are already waiting for their product to be exported worldwide.

Christopher Esperas and Anthony Paraliza at the CAEXPO 2013 in Nanning, China.

coconut,Tuba is not difficult to market. But what sets Vino de Coco apart from other local Tuba products is the company’s ability to produce the wine uniformly and in mass quantity. It is also unique because of the variety of flavors, which caters to different tuba drinkers of the region. They have three flavors: sweet white, sweet red and dry red. Vino de Coco is endorsed by various government agencies, such as: the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Science & Technology (DOST), Dept. of Trade & Industry (DTI), DENR and PCA. Although dubbed as a beer country, the company also hopes that the Filipinos will support the product and in time become a coconut winedrinking population.

CONTACT THEM: Christopher Esperas, Marketing Manager Mobile No. : 09209486952 Email Add: crie_21@yahoo.com chris@vacalvinodecoco.com Website: www.vacalvinodecoco.com

SOURCE: www.vacalvinodecoco.com ipeoney.hubpages.com/hub/Tuba-or-Coconut-Wine-Making vacalvinodecoco.com

EMERGING PRODUCT Coconut Fiber Scrunch For Decors & Packaging

START To make your adhesive, dissolve corn starch with cold water. Once dissolved, add mixture to a boiling water. Use 1 liter of water for every 40 grams of corn starch.

MATERIALS

Scrunch making is the art of making sheets out of coir or abaca fiber to be used as decors or packaging materials. For the coconut lovers, we tell you how to make scrunch out of coconut fiber. 1. Natural or dyed coir fibers 2. Plastic (thick) sheet or any used paper 3. Bamboo sticks (2x6 inches) 4. Corn starch 5. Plastic chicken wire screen

Fold the other side of your plastic sheet to cover the fiber. Using a bamboo stick, press evenly and ensure complete coverage.

Pour your adhesive on your fiber.

To make your pattern, draw a rectangle on the manila paper. The dimension depends on the kind of material you want to make: for placemats 12x18 inches and for floral wrappers 18x24 inches.

Fold your plastic sheet in half and trace your pattern on the sheet using pentel pen. Make sure the pattern is visible, this will serve as your basis in placing your fiber.

6 Pentel pen and meter stick and manila paper 7. Digital weighing scale

Fold the extra fiber protruding beyond your frame.

Put the formed sheet into the plastic chicken screen and dry under the sun. Once dried, trim off excess fibers.

Separate the fibers and remove coarse particles. Inside your folded sheet, evenly spread the material on your pattern. Leave extra fibers outside the edges of your rectangular frame.

Weigh coir fiber according to the size of your pattern: 15 grams for 12x8 inches and 35 grams for 18x24 inches.

FINISH

The scrunch sheets can now be made into bags, home decors, wrapping materials or wherever your creative mind takes you.

SOURCE: Cauton et. al., 2004. Handbook on Pretreatment and Dyeing of Indigenous Materials for World Class Products. PTRI-DOST

CocoScope July-Sept 2013

UPDATES SAGIP Program To S a v e CALABARZON’s P e s t I n f e s t e d Barangays To further optimize their coconut scale insect control program, PCA launched Admin Forbes assures farmers that PCA shall provide the needed support to eight information caravans to the pest infested control the pest. barangays of Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, and Quezon 1 last July 5 and July 10-13, 2013. Closing the weeklong activity, Department of The public awareness campaign is part of PCA’s SAGIP Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala called the attention of (Sama-samang Aksyon ng Gobyerno, Industriya at Pamayanan) PCA to rejuvenate the recovering trees through immediate Program to control coconut scale insect outbreak. PCA aims fertilization and to intercrop affected areas with cash crops to rescue the scale insect-infested trees in CALABARZON through the help of DA-Regional Field Unit IV-A. through a unified and focused strategy involving the local people The SAGIP program was conceptualized by Erlene of the barangays as members of the spray brigade. It also aims Manohar, the Scale Insect Action Team (SICAT) National to contain the pest population outbreaks and increase the level Leader and spearheaded the caravans held in aforementioned of recovery from infestation through the use of safe and cost- affected areas thru the coordination of the PCA team leaders effective remedial measures. Jaime Gamier, Ronnie Rosales, Lanie Lapitan, Luisa Molino, After the caravans, a program was held to explain Zorayda Semana, Catherine Lat and Ismaela Reyes in their the rationale and importance of the SAGIP Program. PCA respective areas of assignments. Provisions of equipment, Administrator Euclides G. Forbes assured the attendees that supplies and labor cost were ably complied thru the efforts of PCA shall continue to provide technical and logistical support Fe Alcala-Constantino the SICAT Finance Coordinator and the through the program. A community-based massive spraying of PCA-Region IV-A OIC Regional Manager Alejandro Olaguera. Cochin oil solution was also demonstrated.

THE SEARCH IS ON: “Lubinibini of Davao Oriental 2013” Among many beauty pageants, this one is unique! Why unique? Because the criteria is not only the contestants’ beauty and talent but also their ability to collect beetles. To win, instead of soliciting cash from people, they need to solicit as many beetles as they can from their community. It may sound absurd but it’s for a good cause. This cause is for the prevention of Rhinoceros Beetle outbreak in typhoon stricken areas of Davao Oriental. The search for the “Lubinibini of Davao Oriental 2013” was launched at the 27th National Coconut Week and 12th National Coconut Festival. The pageant is under PCA’s Bantay Dangan Program, which aims to prevent rhinoceros beetle outbreak in typhoon affected coconut farms. The Lubinibini pageant is in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental and the Department of Agriculture. The fallen debris in the affected farms are potential breeding sites for rhinoceros beetles. To prevent beetle

CocoScope July-Sept 2013

CETC Conducts Needs Assessment Of PCA Agriculturists

To identify performance requirements or

Based on the result of the TINA, the CETC shall formulate

needs of the Agriculturists in terms of training and

training designs/courses and communication materials on the following

information materials, an assessment was conducted

subjects/topics as shown below.

by the Coconut Extension Training Center (CETC). This was done during last quarter of 2012 until the first quarter of 2013.

The

Training

and

Information

Needs

Assessment (TINA) was designed to assess and prioritize

training

and

information

needs

TOPICS Coconut Agro-technology

Kukum dryer construction

Coco-based Farming System

1. Cultural management of some recommended intercrops of coconut farms 2. Plant propagation of intercrops 3. Livestock raising 4. Natural Farming Systems 5. Organic Fertilizer/ farming for coconut

Coconut Products and by-products utilization and processing

1. Coco Sugar 2. Coco Syrup 3. Coco Spread 4. Coco Vinegar (water) 5. Coco water drink concentrate* 6. Coco coir processing 7. Doormat making 8. Charcoal briquette 9. Laundry soap 10. Herbal bath soap 11. Massage Oil 12. Handicraft Making 13. Product packaging & Marketing

Agriculturists in terms of Coconut Agro-technology, Coconut Products and By-products Utilization and Processing, Integrated Pest and Disease Management and Extension Techniques. The respondents were knowledge on the various topics cited.

There were 422 PCA Agriculturists who

INFO. MATERIALS

asked to rate their technical proficiency and

TRAINING

accomplished the TINA, of this 67% are regular employees and the rest are contractual CDOs. Age distribution is high on bracket 51-60 with 45% of the total respondents followed by bracket 41-50 with 19%, 31-40 with 14%, 21-30 with 17% and 61-65 with 5% of the total respondents. Majority are male with 62% of the total respondents.

outbreak, the PCA came up with the idea of involving communities or barangays of each municipality by collecting rhinoceros beetle (adult/ larvae/pupa). They will earn cash in return and at the same time be counted as votes in favor of their chosen bets. After the first canvassing last July, there are already ten (10) candidates registered and listed, these lovely ladies come from the respective municipalities of Baganga, Cateel, Boston. PCA is now on its 2nd canvassing. The 3rd and last canvassing will be on October and the coronation night is set on November 15, 2013 at Mati, Davao Oriental with no less than DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala and Davao Oriental Governor Corazon T. Malanyaon to attend. The first Bb. Lubinibini of Davao Oriental 2013, who will garner the highest total number of beetles, receives a cash prize of Php 20,000.00 plus a trophy. The other four runners-up will receive a cash prize of Php 10,000.00. All finalists are encouraged to wear coconut-inspired gowns and the best gown will receive Php 10,000.00. The winning gown’s designer will also receive Php 5,000.00. A special award will also be given to the lady with the most strategic way of collecting the beetles from coconut farms. She will be given the “Beauty with A Cause Award” and a cash prize of Php 5,000.00.

TOPICS

Guidebook for CDOs

1. Recommended intercrops based on stage of coconut growth 2. Successful mixed cropping system in coconut farms 3. Cultural management of: coffee, cacao, corn, banana, vegetables

TRAINING

Pests & Diseases of Coconut

EE Extension/