Three coconut processing centers will be built in Bohol and these are expected to generate at least 500 jobs according to the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA).

The coco hubs will be constructed in the towns of Loay, Ubay and Balilihan, said Emiliano Romero, manager of PCA Bohol.

He noted that approximately P15 million has been earmarked for each of the processing centers following the move to scrap the P79-million coco hub project in Balilihan.

Romero clarified that the initial plan to allocate P79 million for a single coconut center in Balilihan would have generated lesser employment opportunities at approximately 80 jobs.

He said that the centers would not only be able to produce virgin coconut oil but also coco coir and coco geonets.

Geonets or cocomats are used by the Department of Public Works and Highways and local government units to control erosion in degraded areas like mountains and riverbanks.

The PCA is optimistic that the construction of the said coconut processing facilities will start within the year.

Previously, Romero bared that Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco, Jr. himself issued a directive ordering concerned groups to hasten the construction of coco hubs.

He said that having the facilities will push the immediate release of funds from the PCA which are intended to boost Bohol’s coconut industry. (Allen Doydora)