“Nonoy” Libanan
TACLOBAN CITY — House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan has introduced two bills aimed at enhancing the coconut industry in Eastern Samar by establishing two government-run coconut oil refineries.
The proposed plants are expected to significantly boost local farmers’ productivity and income while stimulating economic growth in the region.
Libanan’s House Bill (HB) No. 10834 proposes the establishment of the Eastern Samar Coconut Oil Milling and Refinery Plant in Sulat, while HB No. 10849 seeks to set up the South Eastern Samar Coconut Oil Milling and Refinery Plant in Quinapondan.
These facilities will focus on processing raw coconuts into refined coconut oil and other high-value products for both domestic and international markets.
“We expect these facilities to elevate coconut processing, create jobs, and invigorate the economies of Eastern Samar and neighboring areas. Ultimately, they will contribute to poverty reduction,” Libanan said on Sunday, Sept.29.
He also emphasized the plants’ potential to strengthen the national economy through increased coconut oil exports.
Coconut oil remains a top export product for the Philippines.
From January to July 2024, the country exported $1.115 billion worth of crude and refined coconut oil, marking a 58.5 percent increase compared to $704 million during the same period in 2023, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.
The Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), would be responsible for overseeing the construction and operation of these plants. The projects’ funding would come from the current appropriations of both the DA and PCA.
Additionally, the two proposed refineries would benefit from a five-year income tax holiday and exemptions from customs duties and national taxes on imported capital equipment, raw materials, and other necessary inputs. They would also receive priority access to government credit facilities to support their operations.
Coconut oil is widely used in industries ranging from food production and infant formula to pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. It is produced by crushing copra, the dried coconut meat, which contains around 65 percent oil.
Libanan, who previously represented Eastern Samar’s lone district in Congress from 1998 to 2007 and served as the province’s vice governor, is currently the 4Ps party-list representative.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
