Philippine Coconut Authority Administrator Euclides G. Forbes announced that coconut water export increased by 315 percent for the first semester of this year.

PCA non-Traditional coco export figures for the first semester showed a total of 7,500,742 liters of coconut water exported to the Americas, Europe, Asia and Pacific, Latin and Central America and Middle East. The figures bared a 315 percent increase compared with last year's figure of 1,807,087 liters of the same period.

Export to the United States registered the highest increase of 387 percent with 6,196.211 liters compared with last year’s figures of 1,273,324.

Coco water export to Europe increased to 213,220 liters from the last year's count of 72,280 liters. Noted export increases to other destinations compared with last year's figures are : in the Asia and Pacific - from 145,778 liters to 360,412 liters; in Latin and Central America - from 190,990 liters to 483,338liters and in the Middle East - from 37,450 liters to 166,561 liters.

Administrator Forbes bared that coco water is a natural beverage that is rich in potassium and magnesium, and contains a considerable amount of vitamin B such as thiamin, which aids in strengthening the muscles, delaying fatigue and maintaining normal heart function. It is regarded as a good source of electrolytes and glucose and have been found suitable for intravenous rehydration. It is also a healthy and effective treatment for urinary stones.

International demand for coco water will continue to rise as more and more people turn health conscious. Recently, after his visit to the United States, President Benigno S. Aquino has stated publicly that two American beverage firms expressed their interest in investing in the country's coconut industry.

Administrator Forbes explained the need to plant more coconut trees to meet the growing demand for not just coconut water but for many more coconut products. He reaffirmed commitment in aggressively implementing the Participatory Coconut Planting Project. Under this program, farmers are not just mere recipients and beneficiaries of the project but rather active partners in the development process.

The Administrator positively said that this would generate new job opportunities especially for Filipino farmers dependent on the coconut industry for their livelihood.