By Brian Campued
The so-called “tree of life” in the country is about to take the spotlight as the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) signed a partnership with the People’s Television Network (PTV4) to strengthen the promotion of the coconut industry.
Under the agreement, PTV4 will feature various delicacies made from coconut through a cooking segment at the morning show “Rise and Shine Pilipinas”.
The contract was signed by PCA Administrator and chief executive officer, Dr. Dexter Buted and PTV General Manager, Atty. Robert Doller—pursuant to the former’s mandate to develop the coconut industry in the country.
According to Buted, the PCA also aims to increase awareness among the public on the health benefits of coconut-based foods, such as electrolytes from “buko juice” as well as the lower glycemic index of coconut sugar compared to table sugar.
“Ang gusto lang natin kumbaga awareness ng ating taumbayan kung ano-ano ’yong mga benefits ng coconut, ’yan ang gusto naming i-highlight sa gagawin nating ‘Lutong Pinoy with PCA’ at hindi lang ’yan kundi isho-showcase din natin ’yong lahat ng regional cuisines natin… pagdating sa paggamit ng coconut as a base ingredient,” he said.
Doller, likewise, expressed support to help boost the coconut industry as PTV’s partnership with PCA supports the administration’s Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan.
“By providing airtime, we hope to be of service in disseminating the information to our coconut farmers and the people in the countryside on their contribution to national development,” he said. (with report from JM Pineda / PTV News)
-jpv
