07/07/2026
𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
The establishment of Butuan Coconut Products, Inc. (BCPI) was born out of the unprecedented challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Amid a global health crisis and the rising demand for natural wellness products, Ms. Mina Montilla-Ladlad saw an opportunity to develop Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) products aimed at supporting consumer wellness and promoting the value of coconut-based resources. Starting from her own coconut farm with only five direct workers, she established a modest processing facility and maximized available equipment to begin production. Despite early promise, the enterprise faced significant challenges in marketing and expanding its market reach, particularly due to stringent regulatory and certification requirements needed to access broader markets. Guided by resilience and a strong belief in the potential of coconut products, Ms. Ladlad steadily reinvested in the business to sustain operations and pursue gradual growth.
A major turning point in BCPI’s development came through the sustained assistance of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through Negosyo Center Butuan City, complemented by key programs such as the Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) Program, which strengthened the entrepreneur’s competencies in business planning, marketing, and financial management; the One Town One Product (OTOP) Next Generation Program, which facilitated strong market exposure through participation in provincial, regional, national, and international trade fairs and likewise supported the enterprise in securing critical FDA Licensing to Operate (LTO) and Halal Certification; the RAPID Growth Project (Rural Agro-Industrial Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth), which provided assistance in securing FDA Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) and enhanced enterprise competitiveness and value chain participation; and the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), which supported product registration and strengthened compliance with industry standards. The enterprise’s attainment of US FDA compliance was likewise driven by the proactive leadership and commitment of its President, Ms. Mina Marie Ladlad, who ensured continuous upgrading of systems and strict adherence to international quality requirements.
These interventions, together with BCPI’s consistent participation in trade fairs—from provincial showcases to regional and national events, up to international platforms—significantly expanded its market visibility, strengthened business linkages, and opened opportunities for wider distribution channels. Furthermore, Negosyo Center Butuan City provided continuous business advisory and linkage facilitation support, helping the enterprise navigate operational challenges and sustain its growth trajectory.
With strengthened capabilities and expanded market access, BCPI has evolved from a small family-based venture into a growing enterprise anchored on innovation, resilience, and value addition. The enterprise has likewise begun strengthening partnerships with institutional buyers and is actively pursuing expansion into commercial pharmacy networks nationwide. In recognition of her entrepreneurial excellence, Ms. Ladlad was honored as one of the CARAGA Outstanding Women Entrepreneurs in 2025, underscoring her contribution to local industry development and women entrepreneurship.
As a testament to its continued progress and global outlook, Butuan Coconut Products, Inc. is set to participate in the TuttoFood Milano 2026, one of the world’s leading B2B food and beverage trade fairs, scheduled on May 11–14, 2026 in Milan, Italy, marking a significant milestone in its journey toward international market expansion.
Today, BCPI stands as a testament to how adversity can be transformed into opportunity through innovation, persistence, and sustained government support. With a clear vision for the future, the enterprise continues to empower local coconut farmers, promote sustainable livelihoods, and pursue global competitiveness—proving that resilience, when strengthened by strong institutional partnerships, can drive meaningful and lasting enterprise growth.
