The Philippines
is known for its bountiful coconut production,
standing as ASEAN’s
second-largest producer.
With over 347 million metric tons harvested annually in 2018, coconuts thrive
in 69 of the 82 Philippine
provinces. Notably, the
Davao Region contributes
over half of this output.
Beyond the traditional uses of coconuts
for fruit, milk, and oil, its
nectar turned into sugar
also provides a sweet opportunity. Layzel Bocol, a
29-year-old from General
Santos City, tapped into
this opportunity and started her coco sugar business in 2019
Coconut Business
Hailing from Sultan Kudarat, Layzel’s connection to coconuts began early. Her family transferred to
General Santos City when
her father was promoted
as a manager in a coconut
plantation, a role he held
from 2007 to 2017. Growing up, Layzel witnessed
the process of coco sugar production, so when a
buyer came insearch for a
coco sugar manufacturer
in 2019, she did not hesitate and accepted the offer
of producing coco sugar
with the agreement that
the buyer would be financing the operation.
However, startup
challenges were not foreign to Layzel. The funds
from her buyer were insufficient, which led her
to seek additional support
from CARD, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO) starting
- Their loan supported her business, but 2020
posed a new obstacle with
the global health crisis.
Production dwindled but
began its recovery in the
latter part of 2022.
Today, Layzel’s business produces
150โ200 kilograms of
coco sugar daily. Any coconut nectar that was not
immediately processed
into coconut sugar finds
its way into sinamak, a
sought-after spice vinegar. With their dedicated
land for raw materials and
a committed team of 20,
their business continues
to flourish. She considered
herself blessed; with her
business, she was able to
purchase land and a car,
and her life grew more
pleasant.
Emphasizing the
importance of a strong
team, Bocol shares a
piece of wisdom: “Treat
your employees as extended family. It fosters
a deeper connection and
unity in purpose
