As children, we learned in school that the coconut tree is called the ‘Tree of Life.’ But it’s only when we start to uncover the many ways this tree supports entire communities that we truly grasp its importance. It’s been called the ‘Tree of Life’ for centuries, and with good reason. The coconut tree is one of the world’s most versatile plants, providing hundreds of uses that range from food to shelter. Whether it’s the oil in your kitchen, the mat on your floor, or the roof above your head, the coconut tree touches every part of daily life. Let’s dive into how it continues to live up to its legendary title.
Starting with coconut tree’s leaves , these are often woven into baskets, mats, and thatch roofing for homes, providing a sustainable and biodegradable building material. The trunk is used as lumber for constructing houses, furniture, and boats, while the roots of the tree are traditionally used for medicinal purposes, including treatments for digestive issues and infections.
The fruit of the coconut is perhaps the most recognizable part of the tree. The coconut meat is used for food and can be processed into coconut milk, oil, and flour, while the water inside is a hydrating drink rich in electrolytes. Coconut oil, especially virgin coconut oil (VCO), is highly prized not only for cooking but also for its medicinal and beauty benefits. Coconut milk and cream are staples in many traditional dishes around the world, adding flavor and richness to everything from curries to desserts.
Beyond the fruit, the coconut husk and shell are also incredibly useful. The husk is made into coir, a durable natural fiber that can be used to create ropes, mats, brushes, and even biodegradable gardening supplies. The hard shell of the coconut is crafted into bowls, utensils, and activated charcoal, which is used in air and water filters as well as natural skincare products.
But the coconut’s real power lies in its role as a lifeline for Filipino communities. For many smallholder farmers, coconut farming is not just a job—it is their sole means of survival. Entire families depend on the humble coconut tree for their daily needs, from food on the table to children’s education. Without it, entire communities would be left vulnerable.
The Philippines is one of the world’s biggest producers of coconuts, ranking second largest exporter in the industry across the globe.
However, the coconut industry is facing major challenges today. According to the Philippine Coconut Authority, 20% of the country’s coconut trees are senile. Our “Tree of Life” is under threat as an increasing number of coconut trees in the Philippines are aging beyond productivity, unable to produce the bountiful harvests they once did. If these trees die out, so too will the livelihoods of the farmers who have relied on them for generations.
Coco Mama Save Our Coconuts
Last September 1, 2024, together with several media and actress Judy Ann Santos, we traveled all the way to General Santos City to join Coco Mama’s Save Our Coconuts campaign and plant some coconut trees. The campaign is a call to action that Pledges Long-Term Support to the Coconut Farming Industry.
Launched on World Coconut Day in General Santos City, South Cotabato, Coco Mama held a tree planting activity with its brand ambassador Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo, together with the help and support of representatives from the Philippine Coconut Authority, City Environment and Natural Resources Office – General Santos City, Local Government Unit of General Santos City, Century Pacific Agricultural Ventures Inc., and coconut farmers.
Coco Mama, the country’s leading local gata brand, vows to help ease this problem as it launches the “Save Our Coconuts” project.
Coco Mama’s “Save Our Coconuts” project commits to distributing 100,000 quality coconut seedlings in a span of five years to replace aging trees, providing lasting income to smallholder Filipino coconut farmers. The project aims to contribute to the overall effort to revitalize the Philippine coconut industry.
“Through Coco Mama’s ‘Save Our Coconuts’ project, we make our commitment to provide quality seedlings to smallholder farmer communities in the region. After all, our mission has always been to delight consumers whenever they prepare classic Filipino gata recipes, and part of this delight is in knowing that the brand they love is also doing its part in helping the coconut farmers,” said Coco Mama Marketing Director, Mr. Bryan Lingan.
Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo is honored and thankful to be part of the campaign. She said, “Sometimes, it’s easy to forget that the things we consume daily, like gata, come from the efforts of our hard-working farmers. With the ‘Save Our Coconuts’ project, I am not only able to promote our traditional and nutritious gata dishes to Filipino households but also to make a difference in the lives of the people who help harvest the food we put to the table for our families.”
Coco Mama’s “Save Our Coconuts” Project is part of the brand’s efforts to contribute to the Philippine Coconut Authority’s bigger mission of rehabilitating the coconut industry and uplifting the lives of the coconut farmers.
For more information, please visit /CocoMamaPhilippines on Facebook or @cocomamaph on Instagram for more updates.
By planting new coconut trees, we are planting hope for the future. It’s a way to ensure that this iconic tree continues to give life to those who depend on it, from farmers to families across the country.
