Acknowledging the vital role of the coconut processing industry in driving economic growth and creating local employment, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. personally conveyed his support for its continued participation in national development on Friday.

President Marcos toured the coconut processing facility of the Century Pacific Agricultural Ventures Inc. (CPAVI) in General Santos City, acknowledging the company’s contributions to spurring the national economy and generating local jobs.

Among CPAVI’s products are coconut water, coconut milk, coconut oil, desiccated coconut, and coconut flour.

Exporting to 82 countries, CPAVI has manufacturing facilities in Tangub City and General Santos City. The company’s leading export destinations include the United States, Japan, and South Korea.

Its Tangub City facility has a current capacity of 250 metric tons a day, while its General Santos City facility has a capacity of 820 MT every day.

For this year, the company projects generating PhP10 billion in direct economic value, with 46 percent allocated to its suppliers and operating costs, 22 percent to farmers’ support, and 15 percent distributed to employees.

CPAVI generated over 4,500 manufacturing jobs in the region.

Among the company’s plans are doubling its manufacturing capacity and business. It also aims to increase assistance and impact on local communities.

Under its Million Tree Project, CPAVI planted one million coconut trees, while its Vita Coco Impact initiative distributed 765,586 coconut seedlings to farmers. | PND