MANILA, Philippines - Free lectures on various aspects of the coconut industry will be held for free at the SM Megatrade Hall 1 Bldg B of Megamall on Aug. 25-28.
Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) deputy administrator and Coconut Week chairman Roel M. Rosales said the free seminars form part of the 10th Coconut Festival and 25th National Coconut Week.
Rosales added Dr. Bruce Fife, a renowned author of health books on coconut from the United States, will launch his book titled “Stop Alzheimer’s Now” which tackles the effects of virgin coconut oil on Alzeimer’s disease. Dr. Fife and wife Leslie will lecture on the amazing coconut oil.
Experts from various sectors will discuss the following topics: Coconut-based farming system; coconut enterprise development; coir utilization and market opportunities; bio-engineering and phyto remediation through coir based natural systems; 4’s sap-based technology; effects of VCO on humans with emphasis on cholesterol; development of a high electrolyte, low glycemic ready-to-drink coconut water beverage; galactomanan from makapuno for food and industrial applications.
Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala is the event’s guest of honor and speaker.
Rosales said the event is supported by media partner Manila Bulletin Publishing Corp., Department of Agriculture – AMAS, San Pablo Manufacturing Corp., SPMC) Villar Foundation, the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community, Atlas Fertilizer Corporation/Society, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Chemrez Technologies Inc., High Value Crops Development Programs (HVCDPP), NUTIVA–Nourishing People and Planet, Integrated Food Processing Machinery PTE Ltd., SM Megamall, SM Mega Trade Hall, PCA Employees Multi Purpose Cooperative, Inc. and PCA Employees Association.
The Coco Week chairman also said that there will be a Coconut Industry Forum, Coco Fashion Show using coconut dress and accessories.
New products like coco sap syrup and coco sap spread together with coco shoes and coco noodles from young entrepreneurs will also be launched.
Prior to the Megamall event, a Coco Motion or Fun run and the first Cocodeli cooking contest will be held at the Quezon Memorial Cirle and PCA covered court respectively.
The Tree of Life Award now on its second year, will be given to distinguished personalities from various sectors who have done their share promoting the coconut industry. – Coconut Media Service