COCONUT farmers in Misamis Oriental can now allow the process of their products following the launching of a provincial-based processing facility in Barangay Ani-e, in Claveria town Friday.   Provincial government officials even assured farmers they will help them implement marketing and direct selling of coconuts, and assist farmers to look for buyers.   They said the launching of an agriculture complex would also even restore the coconut industry and build the resilience of the farmers in the province.   “This (Agri complex) provides a sustainable livelihood to the coconut farmers and their families,” said Misamis Oriental’s committee on Agriculture chairman Frederick Khu.   It's likely paving the way for further development of the coconut sector not only in Misamis Oriental but in northern Mindanao, Khu said.   Misamis Oriental is known for the sweet-tasting coconut known as “Kuyamis” of which the festival in the province is called.   Northern Mindanao is also the second-biggest supplier of coconut in the country.   On Jan. 22, Gov. Yevgeny Vincente Emano led the launching of the facility which has a huge land of 7 hectares. It was the very first Agricultural Complex suitable for all agricultural processes.   Emano said through the Deed of Grant of Usufructuary Rights, the previous production facility of the Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) was donated to the provincial government.   “The facility is potential for agriculture and if everything will work well, the poverty incidents will go down and food sufficiency will go up,” he said.   Emano said the Kuyamis Festival will focus on the process of coconut products in the said facility among others.   This process includes drying, bottling, and preservation that will benefit the local farmers here especially farmers who focus on coconut planting.   At present, according to Khu, there are over 10 Million coconut trees in Misamis Oriental based on their geo-tagging.   “20 percent out of this 10 million needs to be cut off for it doesn't bear fruit already,” Khu said.   Khu said with the newly launched complex he encouraged farmers to plant coconut trees as early as possible.   “Farmers' life would be easier in the future. We will process their products, we will market it at a higher price,” Khu said.   Aside from coconuts, the province is also eyeing the process and production of lettuce, bulb onion, Cabbage, Cacao, Coffee, and mulberry. (Shiela Mae Butlig)