Mati City, Davao Oriental — The humble coconut took the spotlight as a symbol of enterprise, culture, and possibility during the opening of the Coconut Negosyo Festival 2025 on November 27 at Oriental Prince, Dahican. Far from being just a crop, the “Tree of Life’’ was celebrated as a cornerstone of local identity and a driver of emerging industries in the province.
Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry–Davao Oriental, this year’s festival embraced the theme “Negosyo ug Inobasyon sa Lubi, Kaugmaon sa Industriya,” bringing together a diverse community of coconut farmers, MSMEs, artists, youth innovators, and partner agencies. The gathering showcased how creativity and enterprise can unlock new value from one of Mindanao’s most enduring natural resources.
Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang, represented by Provincial Tourism Officer Atty. Lovella Fe M. Tacder, reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening coconut-based livelihoods and empowering local innovators. Mati City Administrator Allan E. Andrada also reiterated the city’s support, recognizing the industry’s vital role in sustaining families and energizing community economies.
Craftsmanship, Culture, and Creativity on Full Display
The festival’s opening day transformed the venue into a lively hub of hands-on learning and cultural expression. Attendees explored a lineup of engaging demonstrations, each highlighting the craftsmanship and resourcefulness of the Oriental Dabawenyo:
- Gi-inang Sang Alima Technology Showcase
- Luto sa Lubi (LuSaLub) Coconut Food Techno Demo
- Wearables Artisan Weaving Demonstration
- Mandaya Tabin embroidery and coco beadwork
- Pandan weaving with intricate coco-shell accents
- Handloom production using coco fiber
- Creative apparel painting using coconut materials
- A Coconut Product Innovation Competition featuring standout MSME creations
Local government units—including Governor Generoso, Cateel, Boston, Caraga, Lupon, San Isidro, Baganga, and Mati City—added color and character to the celebration through their own curated Lubi Exhibits.
Youth-Led Innovation and a Coconut-Inspired Runway
Young entrepreneurs stepped into the limelight during the Rapid Growth Project Session for Youth Champions, where they explored new ideas for coconut-based products and enterprises. The momentum continued into the evening with Rampa Oryental, a runway showcase presenting wearables, home décor, and lifestyle pieces made from coconut fibers, shells, and fabrics—proof that sustainability can be both stylish and market-ready.
A Future Rooted in the Tree of Life
More than a festival, the event served as a reminder that Davao Oriental’s strength lies in its ability to innovate while honoring tradition. Through the Coconut Negosyo Festival 2025, the province reaffirmed its role as a leader in coconut-based entrepreneurship—lifting communities, nurturing creativity, and showing the world that the “Tree of Life” remains a source of endless potential.
In Davao Oriental, the coconut is not just harvested. It is reimagined, reinvented, and celebrated—shaping a future where culture, commerce, and creativity grow together.