A Filipino official has filed a bill that seeks to improve and promote the palm oil industry by establishing a Palm Oil Research, Development and Extension Centre in Mindanao
According to the bill, the centre would conduct agricultural, industrial and economic research and development of the palm oil industry for the benefit of palm tree farmers.
Rogelio Neil Pepito, vice-chairman of the House Committee of Mindanao Affairs, has proposed to establish the centre in Central Mindanao University in the Philippines, which would aim to boost the farmers’ living conditions.
Pepito said that palm oil is used as ingredients in many household products like cooking oil, baked goods, confectionery, canned goods, non-dairy creamers, shampoos, cosmetics, cleaning agents and washing detergents.
“The country shows an increasing trend in palm oil production volume and the establishment of the centre will help improve the palm oil industry in the country so that Mindanao will account for 90 per cent of the country’s palm oil production,” he added.
He noted that the centre would foster the knowledge of farmers, develop technology and increase palm oil production in the country.
“The centre would coordinate with the Department of Agriculture through the Bureau of Agricultural Research, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, NEDA and the Philippine Council for Agricultural Research and Resources Development in training stakeholders, conducting researches, extending technologies and analysing the demand and supply of palm oil in the domestic and international markets,” Pepito said.
The centre would also train professionals, students and palm tree farmers and their children on the various disciplines related to palm oil production, utilisation and marketing.
