Leading Senatorial candidate Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has expressed all-out support to the proposal to declare “Buko” or Coconut Water as the official energy drink of the 30th Southeast Asian Games set in September in the Philippines.
Go’s endorsement came in the wake of suggestions by netizens that “Buko” Water which is being considered as official energy drink of the Palarong Pambansa should also be considered for the SEA Games in September.
“Gamitin na rin sana sa SEA Games na darating,” Bayani Abarientos said in his comment.
Ferdinand Espiritu, another netizen, said “from domestic (event) puede ciguro international sa SEA Games.”
Go said it is high time that a local product which is known all over the world as a health drink is given the needed promotions and marketing.
“We are a country of 108-million people. If only half of us would drink one glass of coconut water every week, we will not only have a huge number of healthy Filipinos but we will also be supporting our coconut farmers,” he said.
A young coconut sold for “Buko” is priced at P10 at farm gate which is much higher than the price of matured coconut used for copra production.
Go said that the promotion of “Buko” as a health drink will be part of his advocacy to support the coconut farmers.
“Should we be blessed with a victory in the Senate elections, I will immediately work for the passage of the law which would allow our coconut farmers access to the Coco Levy Funds,” he said.
The Coconut Levy Utilization Bill was earlier vetoed by President Rody Duterte who wanted improvements in the proposed law to ensure benefits for the coconut farmers.
Go said he will immediately work for the passage of an improved measure in consultation with the coconut industry stakeholders.
