The Struggle for Sustenance in the Coconut Groves of Mindanao

Living in the rural areas of the Philippine island of Mindanao, people face the challenge of feeding themselves just as their ancestors did. The coconut groves that dominate the northern part of Mindanao provide limited opportunities for sustenance, with harvesting coconuts being one of the few ways to earn a living.

A Multigenerational Tradition

Diego G. Limbaro, like many others working in the coconut groves, comes from a long line of coconut farmers. His father and grandfather both made a living by harvesting coconuts. This multigenerational experience is common in the Misamis Oriental province.

Working six days a week, farmers endure the tropical heat and heavy rains. Their income is determined by the global price of coconut oil, with the average farmer earning around $1,100 per year.

A Life of Poverty

Mr. Limbaro acknowledges the poverty that plagues the region. He explains that most people can only afford to buy sardines and rice. The life they are born into is often the life they will lead.

The Copra Cooperative

At 64 years old, Mr. Limbaro spends his time playing basketball and running a copra cooperative. Farmers in the region harvest coconuts from their small holdings and sell them to processing plants for juice production. The remaining coconuts are roasted and crushed into oil.

The drying plants, owned mostly by local women, burn coconut husks for power. These women, like Mercita Rementizo, also engage in various side hustles to supplement their income.

The Role of Women

Mr. Limbaro trusts women the most and relies on them to fill the ranks of the cooperative’s governing board. He believes that women are more productive and less prone to vices like gambling and drinking.

Challenges and Uncertainty

The cooperative faces challenges, such as the breakdown of their cargo truck, which hampers transportation to processing plants. Additionally, falling copra prices and speculation about a glut of palm oil have added to the farmers’ woes.

Despite these difficulties, Mr. Limbaro remains steadfast. He understands the importance of coconuts as a resource that will outlast him, connecting the soil to the sky even after he passes away.