TACLOBAN CITY — The PHP48-million coconut coir processing plant, a venture that will provide additional income to thousands of farmers in Leyte province, will soon operate in Javier town.
Philippine Coconut Authority Regional Manager Joel Pilapil said Friday the PHP12-million building that will house PHP36-million worth of tufting machines will be commissioned and inaugurated before the end of the year.
“The machines and equipment from India are already available and will be assembled soon to produce mats and carpets made up of coconut husks,” Pilapil said in a mobile phone interview.
The plant, located in Inayupan village in Javier, is capable of processing 60,000 coconut husks into mats for local users and carpets for shipment abroad. The husk is considered by many farmers as waste after removing it from harvested nuts.
The town, according to Pilapil, is capable of supplying the 20,000 pieces required for each production cycle. The remaining 40,000 husks will be sourced from nearby towns.
“The trend in industrialized countries to use more environment-friendly products has given rise to growing demands for natural fibers, such as the coconut coir,” he added.
Coir, the fibrous husk of the coconut, is used as ropes and yarns, aquarium filters, car seat covers, flower pots, soundproofing, mulch for plant growing, heat insulation, brushes, bristles, mattresses, door mats and matting, rugs, carpets.
The project is in partnership with the local government unit of Javier, led by Mayor Leonardo Javier, owner of Andok’s Corp., who has been negotiating with buyers abroad.
Javier, a fourth-class farming town, 73 km. south of Tacloban City, is known for its coconut, rice, abaca, and ginger. (Sarwell Meniano/PNA)
