The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-9) in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA-9) spearhead the 3-day ZAMPEN Coconut Festival 2025 that kicked off Wednesday, September 24 at a local hotel.

Themed “From Farm to Market: Driving Growth with Innovation,” the festival brought together various coconut farmers and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) throughout Zamboanga Peninsula, to highlight the region’s rich coconut industry and its innovative product offerings.

Mayor Khymer Olaso who graced the event, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting coconut farmers. He also shared plans to establish a ‘Pasalubong Center’ at the Zamboanga International Airport to boost local product visibility and market access

Around 30 exhibitors showcased a wide variety of coconut-based products to include Agricultores De La Paz, Laguerta Food Products, Cocoturmeric Health Products, Lumcofarbenco, Lairgao Coconut Products Manufacturing, Mapzacara, BAFAMCO, Umufuego Charcoal Briquettes, among others.

The 3-day event also featured a series of plenary sessions designed to deepen industry knowledge and collaboration. Topics included Unlocking Coconut Trade Potential, Advancing Coconut through Innovation, Investing in Coconut Progress, Building Coconut Futures Together, and Inspiring Cocopreneurs Success Stories.

Leading the event were DTI-IX Regional Director Engr. Al-Zamir Lipae, DTI-IX Industry Development Division STIDS Helen Mae Hamid and PCA Zamboanga City OIC Division Chief Rita Molina. (Bernadeth Lazaro) (photo credits: Roselyn Bunot)