Maria Victoria Placer, DTI Davao del Sur provincial director and DTI-11 coordinator for the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), speaks during a press briefing in Davao City on Sept. 7, 2026, as the agency promotes “cocopreneurs” and higher-value coconut products through the Coconut Philippines Mindanao Trade Fair 2026.(DAVAO TODAY Photo/Ian Peter C. Guanzon)
DTI pushes ‘cocopreneurs’ in Mindanao, but farmers face deeper industry problems
DAVAO CITY, Philippines—As the government urges coconut farmers and small businesses to become entrepreneurs to spur higher-value products, a farmer group said the industry continues to face challenges that go…