The Technology and Livelihood Resource Center and the Department of Science and Technology were directed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to create virgin coconut oil manufacturing plants in coconut-rich provinces as part of the technology business incubation program of the government, a statement from Malacañang said.

Arroyo, in her speech at the launching of the "Perlas ng Pangkabuhayan Pinoy" during the 30th anniversary celebration of the TLRC at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong yesterday, said there is a growing world demand for virgin coconut oil and the country can utilize its resources to meet such requirement.

The coconut-rich provinces of Bicol, particularly Albay, and the Southern Luzon provinces are capable of meeting worldwide demand for virgin coconut oil as long as the government's Technology Business Incubation Program is implemented effectively.

TBIP is a program aimed at increasing the "survival rate" of budding small and medium enterprise businessmen through a wide array of financial investment options and business opportunities in manufacturing, exporting, retailing, franchising, distributorship, dealership, and direct selling, among others.

Arroyo said she expects the TLRC to be a leading center of entrepreneurial technology-based resources, particularly for virgin coconut oil, and will become a virtual one-stop shop for entrepreneurs with strengthened and modernized services in technology and business information, hands-on training, organizing and linkaging, the Malacañang statement added.*

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