News Details

Pangasinan Coconut Farmers Transform By-Products into Eco-Friendly Crafts and Fertilizer

NPO

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October 4, 2025

MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – Coconut farmers in Pangasinan are turning agricultural waste into opportunity by converting coconut by-products into eco-friendly crafts, souvenirs, and organic fertilizers, providing them with new sources of income while addressing environmental concerns.

Gerald Suriaga, administrative head of the Quinit School of Science, Agriculture, Trade and Arts Inc., said the initiative is part of a training program spearheaded by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Ilocos Region and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA). The program trained members of four farmer groups: the Dacap Sur Coconut Farmer Association in Bani; the Ilog Malino Farmer Association in Bolinao; and the Aliguas Calasiao Farmer Cooperative and Pinablin 4-H Calasiao Inc., both in Calasiao.

“There is a lot of coconut shell waste in farming, which often leads to pollution and wasted resources,” Suriaga explained. “Now, our trained farmers are ready to market eco-friendly souvenirs, crafts, and Mokusako (wood vinegar), which can be used as organic fertilizer or natural medicine and sold for PHP100 to PHP200 per bottle.”

The products will soon be showcased in trade fairs and exhibits, with plans to sell in Pasalubong Centers, souvenir shops, and community outlets across Pangasinan.

Omega Masaoy, a member of the Dacap Sur Coconut Farmer Association, shared that aside from making briquette charcoal, their group plans to produce bracelets, necklaces, and boutique accessories for resorts, schools, and offices.

“If the project receives proper funding, it will ease production costs compared to synthetic practices and benefit not just farmers but also the community and the environment,” Masaoy said in Filipino.

The first training batch was recently completed at Quinit Farm, marking the beginning of this sustainable livelihood initiative.

—NPO News Team | PNA-PR