Bohol farmers turn coconut shells into charcoal briquettes
TAGBILARAN CITY—From coconut shells to eco-friendly grilling fuel, two cousins from Dauis, Bohol, are turning what was once considered waste into a promising livelihood opportunity.
Charcoal briquettes made from coconut shells are among the innovative products drawing attention at Coco Agri Asenso 2026, held Aug. 5 to Aug. 6 in this city and organized by the Agricultural Training Institute (Ati), featuring coconut-based products from the entire Bohol province.
Cousins Mark Baldo, 26, and Arvin Daniel, 29, are showcasing their charcoal briquettes produced in Barangay Bingag, Dauis.
Baldo, who manages the operations of CG’s Charcoal Briquettes, said the product was launched this year, although the family has been selling charcoal briquettes in the Caraga region.
The business was inspired by their 82-year-old grandfather, Asterio Guron, whom Baldo described as the family’s original “mangunguling” or charcoal maker.
The business currently needs around 30 to 40 tons of coconut shell charcoal or “bagul uling” every month, sourced from farmers in Danao, Tubigon, Carmen and Sevilla towns.
They buy raw coconut shells, or “bagul,” for about P5 per kilo, while processed coconut shell charcoal is purchased for around P30 to P33 per kilo.
Growing demand
However, Baldo said the supply remains insufficient to meet their growing demand.
The coconut shell charcoal is pounded and mixed with cassava flour and water before being processed into briquettes. Baldo said the mixture must be properly cooked to ensure the briquettes hold together and burn properly.
“If it is not properly cooked, it will not burn,” he said.
Daniel said the briquettes are made from 100-percent natural coconut shells, cassava flour and water, offering a cleaner, longer-lasting and more environmentally friendly alternative for grilling.
The briquettes sell for P40 per kilo in cellophane packaging for local consumers, while the craft-packaged version sells for P50. For export, the product is packed in boxes containing four packs and sold at P200 per box.
The business gained a significant boost during the Sandugo OTOP Trade Expo last July, where the cousins said they generated around P700,000 in sales and received tons of additional orders.
Board Member Lucille Lagunay, chairman of the Committee on Agriculture at the provincial board, said the growing coconut-based enterprises show the potential of Bohol’s coconut industry.
“The coconut industry in Bohol is thriving and booming and this makes us proud,” Lagunay said.
Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado said the provincial government continues to implement programs supporting coconut farmers and strengthening Bohol’s coconut industry.
