PALO, Leyte--The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) VIII has confirmed that export products of the region have taken a hit from the global financial crisis.
 
NEDA Regional Director Buenaventura Go-Soco said lower demand in the world market has caused a dip in the prices of coconut and abaca, which are the region’s top export products.
 
Based on the price monitoring of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), farm gate price of copra is now pegged at 10 to 12 pesos per kilo, while mill gate price is pegged at 17 to 18 pesos per kilo.

The price has drastically fallen from a high of 42 pesos per kilo at mill gate price or 25 pesos per kilo at farm gate price early January.

The NEDA projected that copra prices may still continue to dive in the next six months.

Prices of abaca dipped to 25 pesos per kilo from a high of 60 pesos per kilo early this year.

“There are other ways, however, from which affected famers can derive income, “Go-Soco said, citing inter-cropping as one alternative livelihood, as well as venturing into poultry or cattle industry.