By Rey Anthony Chiu

 

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Philippines (PIA) — The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) has established a white copra processing facility for a Bohol cooperative, capable of processing 5,000 coconut nuts a day, offering farmers P10 more per kilo over the prevailing regular copra price.

PCA Bohol Provincial Manager Jovencio Felisilda said the facility, operated by the Aguipo Coconut Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Aguipo CFMPC), is part of PCA’s value-adding program for coconut products in strategic areas of the province.

White copra is a higher-quality type of dried coconut meat, characterized by a cleaner white to light cream color compared to regular copra, which is often brownish or darkened from smoke exposure.

Producing it requires controlled drying and cleanliness to prevent smoke contamination, dirt, and uneven drying.

At the Aguipo CFMPC facility, steam technology is used to dry coconut kernels at 60–70 degrees Celsius for 24–48 hours, achieving a moisture content of about 6–7%.

“The resulting product is more suitable for food-grade applications such as high-quality cooking oil and desiccated coconut,” said Felisilda.

He said white copra generally commands a higher price in the market, and PCA sees it as a way to improve farmer income in Bohol, one of the country’s top coconut-producing provinces.

Traditional copra processing methods — including open smoke drying and open sun drying — have been linked to inconsistent moisture levels, improper storage, and the development of harmful molds.

Improperly dried copra can produce mycotoxins, including aflatoxins, which are associated with liver damage and other health risks.

White copra processing is part of PCA’s efforts to improve coconut product standards and increase export value. (RAHC/PIA Bohol)