WHEN typhoon Yolanda struck north Cebu, most of the coconut trees were felled.
In San Remigio town, a project that uses coconut shells as beverage holders was launched by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to help stir economic activities in the countryside.
The project was launched through a skills training program last April 7 to April 11 at the Barangay Tambongon Elementary School.
“It aims to provide a sustainable alternative livelihood for residents of San Remigio which was one of the areas badly hit by typhoon Yolanda,” said Elias G. Tecson, DTI chief for business development division yesterday.
The face of a monkey is carved on the coconut shells.
Philexport Cebu president Venus G. Genson said there is a market for the coco monkeys which her company is serving.
“Every month I get an order for 160,000 coco monkeys which I ship to the US. I’d like to source all that here to help in the livelihood of fellow Cebuanos,” said Genson.
She said she sources her finished products from Davao, Legaspi, Laguna and Leyte.
COCO MONKEYS
After typhoon Yolanda, San Remigio has an abundant supply of coconut shells.
The coco monkeys are used in hotels and resorts as containers for beverages served to guests.
The guests may also take home the holder as a souvenir.
Genson said the April training was just the first of many other similar sessions to be conducted with DTI and the local government of San Remigio.
“We have four more clusters lined up which will include five to seven barangays or a group of 25 people. The strategy is to train the trainers,” said Genson.
This is the first time that Genson has partnered with DTI for a skills development project.
“First it helps ensure availability of a stable supply then it helps create livelihood for the people in the community,” said Genson.
Genson owns and operate Art N Nature Export with a manufacturing plant based in Liloan, Cebu.
According to Nelia Marie D. Avila of DTI-BDD, they are identifying other livelihood projects for the 15 municipalities and the lone city affected by typhoon Yolanda.