“Tasty!” That is how John Entereor, student of San Vicente National High School in Virac, Catanduanes, replied when asked about his comment on “Be Cool” coconut water. A group of grade school volleyball players from Rizal Integrated National School in Sorsogon also commented that “Be Cool” tastes like a real coconut.

During the Palarong Bicol 2016 held at Metro Naga Sports Complex on February 7–13, participants and guests to the annual sports event encountered the locally developed coco water brand. The PRDP Regional Project Cooperation Office (RPCO) in Bicol, in partnership with the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), the Department of Education (DepEd), and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Camarines Sur, launched the “Be Cool” exhibit during the Palaro and distributed about 2,000 coco water bottles for free.

The week-long coco water product testing and promotion also served as a chance for CBSUA to gather data for the research entitled “Feasibility of the Village Level Coco Water Processing Facility,” in which market potential is part of the study. According to CBSUA Professor and Project Leader Hanilyn Hidalgo, their survey respondents generally welcome the new product with positive feedback.

“This is the best for athletes,” stated Coach Ben Perez from the LGU’s Sports Development Committee. He added that “Be Cool” should be promoted in schools through partnership with DepEd and that school children should be encouraged to drink coco water as an alternative to carbonated drinks.

On February 8, 2016 the PRDP South Luzon Project Support Office Director, Shandy Hubilla, met with DepEd Regional Office V Director Ramon Fiel Abcede about the promotion of “Be Cool” during the regional sports event.

Prof. Hidalgo shared that their primary intended market for “Be Cool” are the millennials, or those born in the years 1980 to 2000. “Millennials are the ones who are open to trying new products,” said Prof. Hidalgo.

As an alternative and healthy source of electrolytes, “Be Cool” is specifically promoted to athletes, health-conscious consumers, students, and other consumers who have active lifestyles.

Entereor, who won first prize for the secondary swimming competition during the Palarong Bicol said, “I will promote ‘Be Cool’ coco water to my friends and fellow athletes, because it is delicious.” Sandara Anda, volleyball captain from Rizal Integrated National School, said that “Be Cool” tastes better than a popular sports drink. Coach Perez expressed that he is glad to finally learn about a locally developed coco water brand.

The commercialization of coco water and the transfer of the processing technology to partner LGUs and farmer groups will be based on the results of the feasibility study. Prof. Hidalgo and her team aim to finalize the said study by March this year.

After Palarong Bicol, “Be Cool” will also be promoted during the Palarong Pambasa 2016 to be held in Legazpi City, Albay on April 10–18, 2016. ### (Gumamela Celes Bejarin, DA-PRDP PSO South Luzon InfoACE Unit)