PHYSICAL ENDOWMENTS OF MARINDUQUE COCONUT INDUSTRY: BASIS FOR AN ECONOMIC STRATEGY

Abstract

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is one of the most beautiful, resilient and beneficial trees widely
cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical countries. The coconut is a very useful plant with a wide range of
products being sourced from it. The Philippines now ranks second to Indonesia among the top coconut
producers in the world. Out of the 81 provinces in the country, sixty-eight (68) provinces are considered
coconut- growing areas. Marinduque is one of the coconut-growing provinces, however, not so much is known
about the status of this industry in the province. An understanding of the coconut attributes and a condition
strongly justifies the judicious management of the current stands of coconut trees. This study sought to
establish the status of the physical endowments of the coconut industry in the province of Marinduque
specifically in terms of natural resources, geographical location, population, and land area. The survey
research was used to gather the information from coconut farmers who are members of cooperatives in the
province of Marinduque with the use of questionnaire. The study revealed that the over-all physical
endowments of the coconut industry in the province are perceived to be good.
However, some interventions need to be implemented and decision-makers have to aggressively pursue
recommended measures