However, a glimmer of hope has emerged for Bugol and his fellow farmers. The Sagunian Overseas Filipino Workers Association (SOFWA) in their barangay has received support from the government for their “Copra Consolidation and Trading” business.

During a recent groundbreaking ceremony, Bugol expressed his optimism that this initiative would lead to higher copra prices.

“Nalipay ko kaayo aning proyekto nga Copra Consolidation and Trading kay mutaas ang presyo sa kopras kay dili na moagi sa middleman (I am very happy with the Copra Consolidation and Trading because the price of copra will increase as it will no longer go through middleman),” he said.

Bugol revealed that he and Venerando Superable, the benefactor who donated the land for the Copra Consolidation Center and solar dryer, were in discussions regarding the Php 15 million Investment in Rural Enterprises and Agriculture and Fisheries Productivity (I-REAP) subproject of the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP). This project aims to provide the necessary infrastructure, including a delivery and hauling truck to support the copra industry.

With the delivery truck, SOFWA will have direct access to transport the purchased copra to coconut oil refineries in Roxas, Zamboanga del Norte and Dipolog City. This garnered the attention of 91 beneficiaries, who anticipate higher copra prices for coconut farmers in Vincenzo Sagun.