DINALUNGAN, Aurora, Philippines — The Aurora Province Coconut Development Center (APCDC) based in this town is expected to lead in developing the coconut industry in the Philippines in the next several years.

The research center, which is under the supervision of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), is seen to cash in on the rising global demand for coconut-based products such as coco water led by a pioneering coconut nursery and research facility.

Earlier, President Benigno S. Aquino III said that United States-based companies are ready to pour US$15 million worth of investments into the local coconut industry.

Established in 2008, the APCDC sits on a sprawling 133-hectare land at the foot of the Sierra Madre here. Eighty-six of the 186 varieties of coconut in the world can be found in the Philippines, and the best of these varieties are cultivated and bred at the APCDC.

PCA said that at full development by 2018, the APCDC can produce 1.7 million coconuts and 1.34 million seedlings. That will go into planting 13,400 hectares of land yearly—more than enough to meet the rising local and global demand for coco products.

Senator Edgardo Angara, who hails from Aurora, said the facility is fully capable of boosting the country's capacity for coconut production through research and extension services.

Angara added that the APCDC will serve as the premier supplier of high quality and high yielding seednuts and planting materials throughout Luzon, including the embryo-cultured Macapuno, Synvar, Baybay Tall, San Ramon Tall, Tacunan Dwarf, Catigan Dwarf and Open Pollinated Variety-Baler.

“APCDC also showcases all the matured technologies generated from the PCA’s network of research centers. It promotes product diversification not only of coconut-based produce, but also of other fruits and vegetables through intercropping, which ensures that the land is productive year-round,” he added.

The senator said APCDC is a strong multistakeholder effort that ensures the sustainable development of our country’s coconut industry.

“If the Philippines wants to be a major global player in this market—which we have the full capacity to be—the government must show tangible and unequivocal support to R&D facilities like the APCDC and to the all-out rehabilitation of the coconut industry,” he said

As of April 2011, 16,060 coco seedlings have been planted at the APCDC, as well as intercrops of sweet potato, pineapple, malunggay, corn, palay, gabi and coffee beans. It employs almost 100 people to date, with the possibility for more as it continues to expand and improve its infrastructure and research services.