05 August 2022, Seoul-The 9th edition of Promoting Entrepreneurship and Agribusiness to Filipinos in Korea or PEAK-Pinoy program of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul held on 31 July 2022 showcased coconut-based business opportunities in the Philippines.

PEAK-Pinoy activities are aligned with the thrust of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for a renewed focus on the agriculture sector to support food security, employment generation, and the sustained growth of the Philippine economy, especially in the countryside.

For this edition of PEAK-Pinoy, coconut-based business opportunities in the Philippines, particularly in the CALABARZON Region (IV-A) were discussed by invited speakers from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and from coco-based companies who shared their knowledge, expertise, and experience in the coconut processing business.

Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega, in her welcome address, lauded the PEAK Pinoy-one country team initiative as it endeavors to support every overseas Filipinos' aspiration to reach their full potential while in Korea. "The Philippine Embassy in Seoul through PEAK Pinoy promotes early preparation and planning for our kababayan's reintegration/ return back home. We would like to equip them with timely and useful knowledge and ideas in entrepreneurship and agribusiness, as we also encourage them to be government's partners in the Philippines' economic development" she said.

During the webinar, Ms. Luz Brenda P. Balibrea, head of the Trade Information & Relations Division of PCA presented the Philippine Coconut Industry: Its Growth Potentials and Business Opportunities, while Ms. Maura M. Pasciolco, Owner/ General Manager of PASCIOLCO Agri Ventures and Mr. Francisco P. Rubio, President/CEO of Greenlife Coconut Products Philippines Inc. shared their hands-on experience in managing their respective coconut products manufacturing business. They provided helpful tips in starting one's own agrinegosyo and spoke about the wide-range of government support services from the DA, DTI, DOLE, and OWWA for budding Filipino entrepreneurs, including returning overseas Filipinos.

The webinar was conducted via zoom and via livestream on Facebook. END