Virgin Coconut Oil Production Process

The production of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) in the country continues to increase as its demand increases. With this economic information, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) had launched a project to help the farmers upgrade VCO production technologically. Recently, the agency gave P250,000 to Barangay Liptong Small Coconut Farmers Association (BLISCOFA). BLISCOFA, a registered community-based countryside association, started in 2005 with 130 members, including more than 80 small farm holders. This was established with the goal of enhancing the economic status of coconut farmers in the town of Valencia, Negros Oriental. The organization had volunteered into VCO production with ample support from several entities such as
the local government unit of Valencia, the US Peace Corps, Philippine Coconut Authority, and Department of Agrarian Reform. Aside from VCO, the organization also manufactures fashion accessories derived from coconut shells and vinegar to increase their profit.

According to BLISCOFA board of director chair Saturnino Santos, Jr., they had received financial assistance from DOST Provincial Director Gilbert Arbon. BLISCOFA is used to traditional method of coconut milk extraction. The use of manually-operated mechanical machines resulted to inefficient output of production. That’s why DOST, through its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) provided budget to improve their production. The technological involvements initiated by DOST-SETUP will help to improve productivity of human resources development, cost minimization and waste management of firms and organizations.