DAVAO — Davao del Norte is putting its coconut industry in the spotlight with the 2026 N'YOG K2 DavNor Festival, running from October 1 to 3 at a mall in Tagum City. The event showcases technologies, innovations, and value-added products from local coconut farmers and micro-enterprises.
Celebrating the Tree of Life
The festival's name stands for "Nagkakaisa sa Yaman, Oportunidad, Gawa at Kaunlaran sa Kaniyogan ng Davao del Norte." It brings together micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs, coconut farmer cooperatives, institutional buyers, and industry stakeholders to highlight the versatility of coconut products.
Rollie Jay B. Dupitas, Trade and Industry Development Specialist of DTI Davao del Norte, said the festival celebrates the "Tree of Life" while empowering local farmers to innovate beyond raw copra into high-value products. The event marks the third edition of the annual celebration.
Modern Technology on Display
This year's festival features modern technology and innovation designed by academic partners of DTI Davao del Norte. Among the highlights are coconut farmer climbing gadgets and a coconut dehusker designed to save time in harvesting and address rising labor costs.
The three-day Coco Fair serves as a trade exhibit of value-added coconut products from local MSMEs and cooperatives. Visitors can explore items such as coconut oil, coco sugar, syrup, coco aminos, soap, beauty products, and handicrafts.
Coco Talks and Culinary Showdown
On opening day, DTI hosted Coconut Industry Talks providing orientations on the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan. Live demonstrations showed how to use mechanized dehuskers and climbing devices. Discussions also covered coffee-coconut milk blends and fresh buko juice benefits.
The second day featured the Cookconut Challenge, a culinary showdown among local coffee shops, bakeries, and restaurants. Participants created unique coconut-infused recipes, showcasing the ingredient's versatility in modern cuisine.
Innovation and Recognition
The final day spotlighted the Cocothon or Coconut Innovation Challenge, where youth, students, and enthusiasts pitched ideas for turning coconut waste into functional products. The CocoLaki and CocoBigat Competition recognized growers who produced the heaviest and largest coconuts.
Dupitas noted that Davao del Norte has a considerable area of coconut farms. Established manufacturing facilities in the province include a desiccated coconut and coconut flour milling plant, a virgin coconut oil processing facility, a cosmetics production plant, and a coconut milk production facility.
Supporting Local Coconut Products
The festival encourages consumers to support local coconut products. Behind every bottle of coconut oil or bar of coco soap are the farmers who cultivate the land. Their livelihoods depend on the industry's growth and innovation.
Davao del Norte, already known as the country's leading banana producer, is positioning coconut as another pillar of its agricultural economy. The festival demonstrates how technology, creativity, and collaboration can transform a traditional crop into a thriving industry.
