By Felipe V. Celino
ROXAS CITY, Capiz – The province of Capiz is currently experiencing a shortage in coconut supply.
This was announced by Philippine Coconut Authority–Capiz Development Manager Andy Laurilla during a recent media briefing.
Laurilla said the shortage is due to the effects of the El Niño phenomenon that affected the province last year.
In addition to business owners and consumers, coconut farmers were significantly impacted, as many rely on coconut farming for their livelihood.
Capiz is home to 58,532 coconut farmers.
To support them during the crisis, the Philippine Coconut Authority plans to distribute goats as an alternative source of income.
Based on agency data, the province has 3.2 million standing coconut trees.
Of this number, 1,864,845 trees or 57 percent are fruit-bearing, 61,846 or 3 percent are considered senile, and 1,335,523 or 40 percent are still in the growing stage.
Coconut trees go through several growth stages, from germination to maturity, with flowering and fruiting typically beginning after five to 10 years.
