11/08/2011 (Philippine Information Agency) - Two weeks before the 7th National Palm Oil Congress in North Cotabato, more than 400 representatives of planters, investors, bankers, agricultural leaders, academe, government line agencies and local government units from all over the country have already confirmed their participation.

The event will serve as a venue for participants to interact, learn from each other and be updated regarding the industry development initiatives, technological advances, local and international trends and prospects and many other aspects of the industry.

The provincial government of North Cotabato will host the national gathering of oil palm industry stakeholders on August 25 to 26 at the JC Complex in Kidapawan City.

“This is the first time that North Cotabato will host this event,” Gov. Emmylou “Lala” J. Talino-Mendoza said.

“This would be a great opportunity for our oil palm growers to improve and adopt strategies that would surely help improve and boost their income,” she added.

Although hosting the activity means additional expenses for the province, Gov. Mendoza believes hosting the activity is an opportunity to push further their efforts for the promotion of the high value crop in the province.

"Leading the industry in this activity is a manifestation of our commitment in pursuing a strong investment policy.

"Palm oil industry is one of the potential investments that the province is supporting. In fact, we continually provide venues for many interesting parties to visit oil palm areas in the province facilitated by the Cotabato Provincial Investment Promotion Council Council," Mendoza was quoted as saying in another interview.

North Cotabato has almost 6,000 hectares planted to oil palm, mostly in Tulunan and M'lang municipalities with 1,365 and 1,021 hectares, respectively.

This year’s congress theme is “Go Green: Promote Economic Prosperity and Overcome Poverty thru Oil Palm Farming.”

Among the expected guests are Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan and Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala as keynote speakers.

Organizers said they are still accepting confirmations for attendance to the activity through telephone numbers (064) 200-3888 or cellular phone numbera 0926-125-4344. They may also send email to ppdci@yahoo.com for registration.