Napocor sets up VCO processing center in Siquijor

The National Power Corp. (Napocor) has put up a P2.5-million virgin coconut oil (VCO) processing center in Liloan, Siquijor.

Napocor said the construction of the integrated VCO processing center was made possible through the ER (Energy Regulation) 1-94 funds remitted by the Palimpinon geothermal power plant in Valencia, Negros Oriental and the Cebu thermal plant to the local government of Siquijor.

Under ER 1-94, Napocor remits to the barangays, municipalities, cities, provinces and regions hosting any of its power plants a share of one centavo per kilowatt-hour of the gross energy sales of that plant.

The VCO processing center requires an average supply of 1,600 coconuts per day that will be supplied by farmers in the area.

Napocor said the project is set to benefit are the low-income members of the Liloan Women’s Multi-Purpose Cooperative, which has been tasked to manage the VCO processing center.

The ER 1-94 funds remitted to Liloan were used to buy various tools and equipments for the center, as well as a service vehicle that can be used in the center’s daily operations.

It said the plant will produce products such as soap, lotion, cooking oil, vinegar, organic fertilizer and even cookies made from coco flour.

At present, the Philippines is one of the biggest manufacturers of VCO due to the abundance of coconut trees in the country.

VCO gained popularity due to its health benefits such as strengthening the body’s immune system; helping to regulate blood sugar, helping reduce weight and many others.