REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENTIAL ASSISTANT

FOR FOOD SECURITY AND AGRICULTURAL MODERNIZATION

PHILIPPINE COCONUT AUTHORITY

ZAMBOANGA RESEARCH CENTER
San Ramon, Zamboanga City 7000 Tel. /Fax No. (062) 982-0302
P.O. Box 356
TIN: 000724616
E-mail: pca_zrc@yahoo.com

NON-FOOD PRODUCTS DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

Tel. No. (062) 926-7356

E-mail: nfpdd_zrc@yahoo.com

QUARTERLY ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT
For the 3rd Quarter of 2015

1) AR/TU 05/20.

Piloting and Commercialization of Coconut Husk Decorticating

Machine, Baling Machine and Twining Machine. L.J. Peamora,
N.J.Melencion, R. L. Lumata, C. M. Tagactac, and L. G. Baya (20052016).

The fabrication of various coconut husks, coir, and charcoal processing machineries were
continued. The quantity of these fabrication orders increased with the directive of PCA
Administrator, Romulo N. Arancon, Jr. to fabricate and deliver a total of 224 units of
decorticating machine to cover the Kaanib Enterprise Development Project (KEDP) of the
PCA Regional Offices for CYs 2014 and 2015.
During this quarter, ninetyone (91) units of these aforementioned machineries earlier
ordered by different PCA Regional Offices were fabricated at NFPDD and delivered to various
designated beneficiaries.

Table 1. Summary of the different husk, coir, and charcoal processing machineries manufactured at NFPDD and
delivered to designated beneficiaries from July-September, 2015.
Requisitioner

Qty/Unit

Description

Date Delivered

Recipient

PCA Region IVA

1
5

Looming Machine
Twining Machine

July 21, 2015

Brgy. Isabang Lucena

PCA Regions IIVB

Twining Machine

August 17, 2015

Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro

PCA Region IX

Decorticating Machine

September 01, 2015

Cong. Lilia Nuo

PCA Region IVA

Smoke Condenser

September 03, 2015

Brgy. Isabang Lucena

PCA Region XIII

4
35
5
1

Decorticating Machine
Twining Machine
Looming Machine
Briquetting Equipment Set

September 21, 1015

Northern/Southern Leyte

PCA Regions IIVB

1
1
1
10

Decorticating Machine
Decorticating Machine
Baling Machine
Twining Machine

September 24, 2015

September 24, 2015

Ballesteros Cagayan
Brookes Point Palawan

PCA Region IX

2
2
11
5

Decorticating Machine
Briquetting Machine
Briquettor (Manual Type)
Smoke Condenser

September 25, 2015

Zamboanga Sibugay Peninsula

9
55
6
1
6
1
2
11
91

units

SUMMARY
MobileDecorticatingMachine
TwiningMachine
LoomingMachine
CoirBalingMachine
SmokeCondenser
BriquettingEquipmentSet
BriquettingMachine
Briquettor(ManualType)
TOTAL

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Photo 1. Units of decorticating machine being fabricated at the Division.

Photo 2. Various coir processing equipment bound for delivery to PCA Region VIII.

The Division likewise rendered an after sales services for the Department of Trade and
Industry (DTI) Regional Office X for the decorticating machines DTI purchased for the three
municipalities of Misamis Oriental namely, Medina, Sugbongcogon, and Jasaan.

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Photo 1. Left: The condition of the decorticating machine at Medina, Misamis Oriental upon inspection. Right:
Defective starter motor taken for replacement.

2) AR/TU 06/25.

Pilot Scale Production and Marketing of Handicrafts, Novelty Items
and Wares from Coconut Wood, Fruit Residues, Husks and other
Parts of Coconut. L.J. Peamora, N.J. Melencion, R.L. Lumata, C.M.
Tagactac and L.G. Baya. (20062015)

During this quarter, newer huskbased products were introduced to coconut farmers in
an activity sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Office IX and
NFPDD for some Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries within the Agrarian Reform Communities
(ARCs): Patalon Agrarian Reform Farmers Association (PARFA), Malandi Patalon ARB Coop
(MAPZACARA), Lumayang Agrarian Reform Farmers Beneficiaries Cooperative (LARBECO),
Buenavista Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (BUENARBENCO).

The training was conducted in an effort to develop more food and nonfood products
utilizing the abundant coconut raw materials within the ARCs in Zamboanga City.

Photo 4.

These are the souvenir items produced during the DTI-sponsored training, including the "Manny Pacquiao"-,
Mommy D-, Jinky-inspired coin bank made from coconut husks (top left).

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3) AR/TU 10/26.

Production, Utilization and Marketing of CocowoodAcacia Wood

Composite Furniture products (RevenueGenerating Project). L.J.
Peamora, N.J. Melencion, R.L. Lumata, C.M. Tagactac and L.G. Baya.(2010
2020).

The development and manufacture of new cocowood products for its incomegenerating
project was continued. Among the newer products were cocowood chess table and a two
seater coffee table. Samples of these products are being displayed at the Division.












Photo 4. Cocowood chess table set and Two-seater coffee table.

4) AR/TU 11/01.

Utilization of coconutbased biomass for bioethanol production.

N.J. Melencion, R.L. Lumata, and L.J. Peamora. (20112016)

4.1

First Generation Ethanol Production from Coconut Sap and Saps of other palms.
N.J. Melencion, and L.J. Peamora. (20112012)

Due to the drought experienced in Zamboanga
City all of the eight (8) palms used to supply toddy
for ethanol production had stopped producing
spathes during the months of May and June.
Remedial measures used include irrigation
supplemented with fertilization. As of the month,
four (4) new palms (Aromatic variety) were
prepared for toddytapping. Additional palms
previously tapped are expected to produce toddy
in a months time as new spathes are developing.
Lignocellulosic ethanol study is still put on hold pending the completion of the
procurement process for the purchase of microbial culture system worth 2.3M pesos. This
controlled fermentation system will enable us to determine the appropriate parameters
needed in the conversion of biomass into ethanol. Likewise, the procurement of High
Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) equipment is being initiated. The HPLC
equipment will be used to determine the percentages of sugars present after hydrolysis is
undertaken, given a particular set of parameters.
Plans are also in the works to have sugars produced from sap from different palms
analyzed using High Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC).

During the month of September, the Division studied the sap production characteristic of
Nipa palm (Nypha fruticans Wurmb). These nipa palms that were tapped were the same ones
used by the Ethanol Study of the Van Kessel Group Philippines which was being assisted by
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the Division. After oneweek of study by the Van Kessel Grp, the study were prematurely
terminated due to equipment problems. To save the loss of opportunity to study nipa tapping
characteristics, the Division was able to secure permission from PCAZRC management to
hire a tapper to continue the tapping using the traditional method for one month. The area
was in Curuan, Zamboanga City, roughly 70 kilometers from the Center.
Only very few of the tapped palms yielded sap. Some palms stopped yielding sap, while
others continued to produce sap with increasing volume through time, although leveled off
at 8001000 mL per day. Twice daily (morning and afternoon) shaving of peduncle increases
the yield. Likewise, it was later observed that the sap collecting vessels were attacked by rats.
Partial results are shown below. Anecdotal knowledge and from literature suggested that
tapping nipa requires proper preparation and selection of peduncle (maturity of fruits).
Further study is required to determine scientifically the proper method of tapping.

Photo 5. Nipa palms (Sample No. 6 & 7) and their respective sap yielding characteristics.

Photo 6. Fermented nipa sap and its distillation for ethanol extraction.

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5) AR/TU 15/01.

Comprehensive R&D in the Production of Communitybased

Competitive Coconutbased Products. L.J. Peamora, C.M. Tagactac, R.L.
Lumata, N.J. Melencion, L.G. Baya, and E.C. Manohar. (20152018)

5a. Commercialization of Cococoir Processing Technologies and Machineries in
CALABARZON

5a.1 Fabrication, Demonstration, Monitoring, and Evaluation of the Field
Performance of Machines. L.J. Peamora, N.J. Melencion, C.M. Tagactac, R.L.
Lumata, L.G. Baya, and E.C. Manohar (20152018).


A series of meetings were undertaken by NFPDD research staff in CALABARZON area
where the various KEDP sites were located. Likewise, installation of decorticating,
twining, and looming machineries were undertaken. The Division likewise installed
a lowemission charcoal kiln with smoke condenser in Costales Farm in Majayjay,
Laguna.









7. Different activities undertaken during the travel to CALABARZON this month: training on the operation of twining
Photo
machine, construction of a unit of charcoal kiln and briefing on the operation and maintenance of the kiln.



5a.2 CoirCocoshellAcrylic Product Development. N.J. Melencion, R.L. Lumata, C.M.
Tagactac, and L.J. Peamora. (20152018)


After a long hiatus on the research activities due to interference of Centers
management on research personnel handing the coconut biomass acrylic product
development, the Division was forced to train new personnel and researchers to
handle the said research subject namely, Messrs. Richard L. Lumata (Sr. SRS), and
Clifford M. Tagactac (SRS II), and Ms. Josephine Mainar. They were sent to attend the
Acrylic Polymer Processing Training at Polymer Products Philippines, Inc., Pasig City
last July 2325, 2015.
The training has given them the opportunity to have the idea on composite fiber
making. The participants were able to know the basic techniques in using polyesters
and several catalysts used for the production of various fiberglass composite
products.





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Photo 8. The basic acrylic products personally made by the PCA-ZRC participants during the 3-day training on the basic

course
on polyester resin at the Polymer Products Phil. Inc.






















Photo 9. Various coir-, coconut shell-, and coconut wood-acrylic products and furniture developed by former
research assistant Mrs. Melencion prior to her unjust termination by PCA-ZRC management.



5a.3 Coconut Shell Carbonization, Wood Vinegar and Solid Biofuels (Village
Processing of Coconut Shell Carbonization). L.G. Baya, L.J. Peamora, C.M.
Tagactac, and R.L. Lumata. (20152018)

The Division is now continuing the construction of the charcoal kiln with waste
heat utilization unit (WHU) this month. It will serve as a villagelevel carbonization
processing of coconut shells.
The twin 8m3charcoal kiln was designed to utilize the waste heat that is being
generated during carbonization process. The gases produced from carbonization will
be ignited in a furnace, and then the heat will be collected. The amount of heat is
estimated to be about 1.0 x 106kJ per ton of coconut shell. It will be used in drying
copra, lumber, and other agricultural crops.

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Photo 10. The fabricated twin 8-m3charoal kilns at their old location near the PCA-ZRC Kukum copra dryer (Top left)
and its air inlets (top right). I:

The construction of twin charcoal kilns with waste heat utilization units (WHU) was
likewise continued. However, the wisdom of situating these WHU units roughly 500
meters away from the kukum copra drier is questionable as heat dissipation during
transport of hot air will now become a grave issue.

The fabrication of coconut biomass charcoal processing machines for the KEDP of
PCA Regional Offices were likewise continued.



6) Other research activities

6a. Development of novel coconutbased medium and substrates for mushroom
cultivation and green muscardine fungus production (R.L Lumata).

Optimization procedures on the development of novel coconutbased medium
intended for the mycelium growth of various mushrooms strains were perfected.
The said developed medium will also be tested with other fungi (i.e. Green
muscardine fungus and Trichoderma reesei). Data gathering on the rate of mycelia
growth was continuously facilitated. New outputs revealed that the density of mycelia
for Bunashimeji and Shiitake are greater than those cultured in the PDA medium. In
addition, mushroom spores are even faster in the coconut grain spawn substitutes
(there are already two substrates determined and tested) than those in rice grain.
Meanwhile, preparation and optimization of fruiting substrates will have completed
by August in preparation for continuous mushroom cultivation.
Production of additional pure cultures of various mushroom species was
continued and radial mycelial growths of these cultures were recorded. Meanwhile,
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Metharhizium anosipliae isolates were procured from PCAARC through OIC Cristeta
A. Cueto.
Another batch of strains of shiitake mushroom and brown button mushroom was
cultured at the Biomass and Biofuels Laboratory. Mycelial growth of the fungi is
already evident three days after culture.
Fruiting substrates development was conducted in preparation for oyster and
Shiitake mushroom cultivation. New strain of Shiitake mushroom and brown button
mushroom were also cultured using the coconutbased medium. Meanwhile, the
isolate samples from the PCAARC was also cultured and significant results were
already obtained in preparation for mass production of GMF inoculum using the
identified coconut waste substrate as substitute to corn grits.


6b. Application of Biotechnology for the Production of Biosynthetic Products.
R.L. Lumata, N.J. Melencion, C.M. Tagactac, and L.J. Peamora. (20152018)

Production of bacterial cellulose using coconut water as base material for the
development of biosynthetic products

To further utilize biomass for product development, coconut water, as waste from
copra processing, will be used to produce bacterial cellulose with the aid of a gram
negative type of bacterium known as Acetobacter xylinum. Bacterial cellulose is said
to have high cellulose purity, higher waterholding capacity and hydrophilicity,
greater tensile strength resulting from a larger amount of polymerization, and
ultrafine network architecture (Brown, 1998; Iguchi et al, 2000). This unique type of
cellulose can be used to develop various products especially as ingredient in paper
making, composite fiber, etc.
This pure culture of Acetobacter xylinum, acquired from a presenter of DOSTITDI
during the 2015 National Coconut Week, was recultured using the Shigeru
Yamanaka medium as preparation for bacterial cellulose production. Bacterial
cellulose production using waste coco water copra processing as base material from
will be conducted once pure cultures will be completed.
The Acetobacter xylinum obtained from DOSTITDI was mass cultured using the
Shigeru yamanaka medium. Bacterial culture of A. xylinum was confirmed by the
presence of white cellulosic precipitate formed in the medium. This type of bacterium
will serve as starter for the production of bacterial cellulose to be used as base
material for light diffusers, etc. Moreover, a coconutbased medium is under
development as substitute to the Shigeru yamanaka medium.


6c. Fermenter design and coconut water utilization (C.M. Tagactac)

Preliminary tests are continued on the proper mix of coconut water and ethanol
to be used as feedstock for the fermenter.
After a month of beverage mixture settling at refrigeration temperature, samples
observed were noticeably different in smell and appearance. Among the samples, one
stood out as desirable beverage.

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6d. Coir Processing and Coir Products Development. C.M. Tagactac, L.G. Baya, R.L.
Lumata, N.J.Melencion, and L.J. Peamora (20152018)

The production of biologs and biotrays, biopocket, and biopots (newer products)
is being contemplated for the DBMCALABARZON Project. Biotrays and biologs are
the potential products that can be generated using the various types of coconut
biomass. These products will be promoted to improve the utilization of coconut
biomass which is currently based on geotextile and coir twine products.

6c. Various Food and NonFood products from wastes of coconut biomass as
Institutional Generating Project (IGP) (Melencion)
Under the initiative of Mr. Ramon L. Rivera, Department Manager III of PCAZRC
now designated as OICDeputy Administrator for Research, various products that can
be made from copra processing wastes like mature coconut water and from other
products that can be made from coconut are being explored as a means to improve
the income generating capability of the Center and as a showcase for coconut farmers
to optimize the utilization of coconut biomass. This project is implemented by the
Plant Genetics Resources and Coconut Utilization Division (PCRCUD) and NFPDD
through the research assistant hired for this project, Ms. Marybeth Melencion.
Products being explored are:
6c.1 Coco sauce (from mature cocowater)

Photo 11. Coconut water from mature coconuts being wasted during copra processing (left) and coconut
sauce from matured coconut water (right)

6c.2 Cocovinegar (from mature cocowater)

Photo 12. Matured coconut water subjected with various treatments to improve acidity and taste of
coconut water vinegar.

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6c.3 Coconut haustorium food products

Photo 13. Toasted coconut haustorium (left) and leche flan-filled coconut haustorium.

6c. Keifer from coconut water and coconut milk (Melencion and Lumata)

Photo 14. Keifer, a pro-biotic products traditionally produced from cows milk now being evaluated to be
produced from coconut milk and coconut water.

6c5. Soap making (cold process) from oil extracted from coconut milkkeifer
production.














Photo 15. Over-mature keifer (harvested after 12 hours) extracted oil as from coconut milk. Utilization
of this coconut oil (cold process extraction) is currently being explored for coconut soap.

Page 11 of 14

7) Conferences/Seminars Attended/Other Activities

7a. Site clearing was carried out for an extension of the Fabrication Shop and the
Laboratory Room at the Divisions office. This extension is necessary due to the
increase of requests/orders for coconut coir and charcoal processing
machineries, and to improve the laboratory facilities of the Division. Currently,
there are nineteen (19) Job Orders hired to fill up the workloads needed in the
Division.

Photo 16. Site clearing operations being performed for the extension of NFPDD laboratory
(left) and fabrication shop (right).

7b. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) visited the Division
last July 810, 2015 as part of their itinerary in a Field Trip with forty (40) coconut
farmers from Zamboanga del Sur. Their field of interest includes the processing
of coconut coir and charcoal briquetting.

7c. More than 150 students from Sinunuc National High School visited the Division
last July 24, 2015 as part of their 1st Livelihood Educational Field Trip. They were
given brief orientation relative the uses and importance of coconut wood, coir
shell charcoal, briquettes and other related information.

7d. Four (4) BS Agricultural Engineering students from Western Mindanao State
University are currently undergoing field practicum in the Division for 108 hours.
The field practicum is intended to provide the students actual work experience
and prepare them in their future field of work.

7e. Three (3) Job Order personnel of the Division namely, Messrs. AlRashid B. Salih,
Leonel M. Palgan, and Richard A. Villanueva, along with Mr. Ricardo S. Jalosjos
proceeded to Isabela, Basilan to assist in the training and orientation on
maintenance of portable generator set and hand drill for coconut trunk injection
on August 2021, 2015. This was in relation to the operations on CSI treatment at
the province of Basilan.

7f. Engr. Clifford M. Tagactac, SRS II, and Messrs. Joel A. Mainar and Pilardo R.
Manlangit proceeded to CALABARZON last 2327, 2015 to conduct seminar and
training of Coco Fiber Processing Technology; install looming and twining
machine and assist in construction of charcoal kiln.

7g. Technical Staff of the Division attended the 2015 RDB R & D Review and Planning
Workshop at Los Banos, Laguna on September 79, 2015.

Page 12 of 14

7h. OIC Neil J. Melencion, Messrs. Alex Enriquez and Rey Gamorez, conducted
woodcraft training on Cocowood at Burauen, Leyte on September 2429, 2015.

Photo 17. Participants from Burauen, Leyte were taught on the different cocowood furniture making techniques.

7i. The CCT Training in Saranggani Province

The Center for Community Transformation (CCT) Group of Ministries based

in Saranggani Province invited the NFPDD group (Richard L. Lumata, Renalyn
Ebol, Pilardo Manlangit, Maerlinda Cabaral ) to conduct a twoday (Sept. 2829,
2015) training on geonets and novelty products. The training focused on the basic
handling of twining machine and simple looming machine for the production of
geonet and doormat from coir. They were also trained on how to produced fruit
trays from leaf frond and various lectures on other coconutbased products were
also discussed.

Photo 18. CCT participants were taught the different coir processing technologies.

7j. Training on Coir Processing was conducted last September 35, 2015 at Dulian,
Upper Bunguaio, Zamboanga City. It was sponsored by the Department of Trade
and Industry (DTI) Zamboanga City Provincial Office. The training is a
continuation of the coir processing training conducted. It was attended by forty
(40) participants.

Page 13 of 14

7k. Pasonanca National High School Field trip NFPDD

Three hundred (300) students
from the Pasonanca National High
School toured at the Division on
September 18, 2015. They were
exposed on the novelty products
processing,
operation
of
decorticating machine, geo-net, and
twining processing, briquetting
machines, and distillation and
preparation techniques for wine and
hand sanitizer using the bioethanol
from coconut sap.

Photo 19. Students from Pasonanca National High School

at NFPDD.

Submitted by:



NEIL J. MELENCION, PhD.
Sr. Science Research Specialist/
OICDivision Chief III

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