Cocofest 2008, San Pablo City's tribute to the Tree of Life - the Coco Nut (January 7 -15, 2008).Theme for 2008 - "Puno ng Buhay ... Puno ng Pag-unlad"
In the 1920s, San Pablo became one of the top 3 municipalities in the country in terms of economics because of the coconut industry. Coconut planters and the coconut harvesters enjoyed the fruits of their labor. Life was easy and lifestyle of the plantation owners can compete with the big city folks. The coconut industry brought money to San Pablo!
In the 1990s, the industry deteriorated with the conversion of coconut plantations into subdivisions. Trees were cut for the less expensive coco lumber. Life in the barangays became difficult. The coconut harvesters opted to work abroad.
But, can we not see the potentials of the Coco Nut Tree - Pigafetta's account speaks of the Pharaoh's nut being in abundance in the country even in the 1500s - used as coco rope for the galleons, thirst quenchers in the long sea voyages, coco meat as food, coco oil for soap and lighting purposes, etc. etc.
The virgin coconut oil is so much in demand especially in western countries, the coco briquettes, the coco flour, the coco coir, the coco net, the buko pie. Thus, advocacy on the re-planting of coconut farms is a must. Let us rehabilitate our coconut industry which used to be the country's top money-maker.
The Cocofest 2008 will be the launching of the San Pablo Chamber of Commerce's 10-10-10.
100,000 coco nuts replanted in 10,000 hectares, in 10 years (something like that!)
