“It’s delicious!”
“Refreshing!”
“Thirst quenching!”

These are some of the answers to the question: “What’s on your mind about “Be Cool” coco water?” generated by the Department of Agriculture Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) by posting a freedom wall at the Coco Water Product Testing and Product Promotion Booth/Exhibit Area installed at the Metro Naga Sports Complex in Pacol, Naga City for the Palarong Bicol 2016.

The DA-PRDP in Bicol is conducting a weeklong product promotion and market survey of “Be Cool” coco water to advertise and gather product feedback among delegates and guests at the Palarong Bicol 2016 on February 7 to 13, 2016 prior to its release in the market.

The Project partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd), Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) and the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur for the conduct of the said activity as part of the Pilot Testing of the Village Level Coconut Water Processing System, a research and development of coco water as a village level enterprise for Camarines Sur.

DA PRDP installed a booth and exhibit area at Metro Naga Sports Complex in Pacol, Naga City for the product testing and market survey where majority of the sports event are being held. About 300 Be Cool coco water are being given away for free to students, athletes and general public daily to generate product feedback while 200 respondents will be subjected to CBSUA’s market survey.

Shandy M. Hubilla, DA PRDP Director for Project Support Office (PSO) South Luzon also had a meeting with DepEd Regional Office V Regional Director Ramon Fiel G. Abcede on February 8, 2016 in Naga City to discuss the product promotion and possible partnership with DepEd in the said project.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region V’s nutrient analysis shows that compared with commercial coco water and energy drinks, “Be Cool” coco water contains higher electrolytes like potassium and sodium which allow body cells to generate energy. Electrolytes work with water to keep the body hydrated and restore its balance. It is also vital in muscle contraction and in maintaining fluid balance while doing rigorous activities to boost endurance, prevent muscle cramps and step up performance. “Be Cool” coco water is a natural, nutritious and affordable energy drink made from the water of a mature coconut. It is being processed at the Coco Water Processing Technology Pilot Testing and Business Incubation Facility at the DA Regional Technology Commercialization Center Bicol Integrated Agricultural Research Center (DA-RTCC BIARC) Compound in San Agustin Pili, Camarines Sur.

The Pilot Testing of the Village Level Coconut Water Processing System sub-project is part of the Enterprise Development (I-REAP) Component of the PRDP that aims to engage coconut farmers in the region as raw material suppliers and eventual operators of the village-level coco water processing facility and capacitate them to value-add their products and venture in agricultural entrepreneurship.

“Be Cool,” an entry by Kenneth Bryan S. Sulmayor of Iligan City, won the DA-PRDP Bicol brand name and logo design contest for coco water beverage based on several brand preference tests conducted by CBSUA.

PRDP is a six-year project worth P27.48-billion jointly funded by the World Bank, the National Government and the Local Government Units aimed at reducing poverty in the countryside through investments in priority commodities. (Annielyn L. Baleza, I-SUPPORT InfoACE Unit, DA-RAFIS 5)

The Coco Water Product Testing and Product Promotion Booth/Exhibit Area installed at the Metro Naga Sports Complex in Pacol, Naga City for the Palarong Bicol 2016 features a freedom wall where guests can share their feedback about “Be Cool” coco water.

PRDP Project Support Office South Luzon Director Shandy M. Hubilla promotes the “Be Cool” coco water during a meeting with DepEd Regional Office V Regional Director Ramon Fiel G. Abcede and superintendents of different school divisions of Bicol and other DepEd officials on February 8, 2016 in Naga City.

(from left) Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Mariano B. De Guzman, PRDP Project Support Office South Luzon Director Shandy M. Hubilla, Department of Education RFO 5 Regional Director Ramon Fiel G. Abcede, PRDP Deputy Project Director Dr. Elena B. De los Santos, PRDP RPCO V I-REAP Component Head Adelina A. Losa and PRDP RPCO V InfoACE Unit Head Emilia B. Bordado pose for a photo after a meeting about “Be Cool” coco water product product promotion and possible partnership with DepEd in the Pilot Testing of the Village Level Coconut Water Processing System.