The coconut industry: Key to developing Philippine agriculture

First of two parts

COCONUT is famously referred to as a "tree of life," though foresters will argue that coconut is strictly not a tree. From its various parts, one can extract the required elements for basic survival. There is coconut water that can quench thirst or use as an intravenous drip in emergency cases as it is rich in electrolyte. The coconut meat can satisfy a hungry stomach and avoid starvation. Copra oil, extracted from coconut meat, can be used as cooking oil or can be converted into diesel oil that can be used to run vehicles. Or converted into its pure form, virgin coconut oil, the substance has medicinal value when administered. The coconut shell can be used for cooking. Its husk can be utilized to fertilize soil or stop soil erosion. Its trunk is widely used as coco lumber in constructing small houses. The stem of its leaves can be made into a broomstick.