8 September 2005 -- The Department of Foreign Affairs announced today that the Philippines’ entry entitled, Waste Coco-Coir for Geo-textiles for Sustainable Development, a work done by Filipino scientist and entrepreneur Dr. Justino Arboleda,  won the Global 100 Eco-Tech Award in the 2005 World Exposition in Aichi, Japan.

Founder of Cocotechnologies Corporation (Cocotech), Dr. Arboleda developed the decorticating machine, which vastly improved coconut coir processing. His company has ventured into the manufacture and marketing of coconut and related products for bio-engineering purposes such as soil erosion control and horticulture.

“The trade potential of this technology is welcome news to the Philippine coconut farmers. Bio-engineering has transformed coconut fiber and peat from waste into profitable commodities. Coconut farmers now have alternative means to augment their income and ease their dependence on traditional coconut products like copra, oil, arid charcoal.” International Economic Relations Undersecretary Edsel T. Custodio said,  "The promotion of Cocotech products and other Filipino products with strong agribusiness roots is an essential component of our economic diplomacy efforts abroad," he added.

There is increasing international demand for their installation both in public and private areas because of the efficiency and environmental soundness of these coconut products. Cocotech has implemented projects in Germany, Netherlands, Japan, USA, China, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. It operates with subcontracting and sister companies in coconut producing regions all over the country with plant capacities of 300 tons of fiber per month to meet the requirements of local and foreign clients.

The contribution of Cocotech to the community has also gained the attention of the World Challenge, a joint project by BBC World and Newsweek in association with Royal Dutch Shell Group of Companies. It is one of the 12 finalists nominated to be featured in Newsweek and BBC. Dr. Arboleda noted that fifty percent of the criteria for winning is based on on-line voting. "It would be a big help to promote our products if fellow Filipinos, here and abroad, vote for us on www.theworldchallenge.co.uk," he adds. Voting is open until Oct. 16.  END