Everywhere we travel throughout the Philippines we see the majestic coconut tree – known as “The Tree of Life.” Not a single part goes to waste; every part of the tree/fruit is utilized.

From Philippines Photo Album 8
Here are just a few of the local uses:
  • The meat
    • An important source of food
    • Used to make coconut oil
  • The milk
    • A refreshing and hydrating drink
    • A source of nutrition
    • Used to make vinegar and wine
  • The fronds
    • Thatching
    • Woven for goods such as purses and bags
    • Used to make brooms
    • Wrapping for rice cakes
  • The trunk
    • Felled and milled into Coco wood
    • This lumber used for house and building construction
  • The tree
    • Provides shade
    • Produces oxygen
    • Prevents erosion
  • The husks
    • Used for scrubbing surfaces
    • Filling or padding material (e.g. pillows)
  • The nut/shell
    • Cut in half used to as a buffing tool (when cut in half with the shell on)
    • Used in native dance (dance that tells the story of working the coconut)
    • Made into ladles, soup bowls, belt buckles, center for ukuleles or dish

Distribution note: 2750 bedkits have been distributed — 2250 more to go! We can’t wait!!!!

Nancy Holt
for the 2007 Philippines Travelling Team

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