The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) has reported a significant increase in copra prices, which is set to enhance the earnings of approximately 400,000 families in Eastern Visayas. Copra, derived from the dried kernel of coconuts, is a key ingredient for extracting high-quality oil. As of January 30, 2025, the price of copra at the farm gate has escalated to PHP52.10 per kilogram, a notable rise from PHP22.16 recorded during the same period last year, and well above the PHP20.17 per kilogram from two years ago, according to PCA’s price monitoring data.
Joel Pilapil, the PCA Regional Manager, mentioned that while a detailed analysis from their main office is pending, the increase in copra prices might be linked to a growing global demand for coconut oil, driven by its recognized health benefits. Pilapil expressed optimism about the positive impact on local coconut farmers and their families, noting that higher copra prices typically lead to increased whole nut purchases, which currently fetch between PHP12 to PHP15 per piece in Leyte province.
The production of one kilogram of copra requires three to four coconuts, and besides oil, copra processing also produces coconut cake, used primarily as livestock feed. The PCA estimates that nearly half of Eastern Visayas’ 4.4 million residents, or about 1.83 million people, rely on the coconut industry. The region ranks fifth among the country’s top coconut producers, with an annual copra output of around 320,000 metric tons.