Manila, Sept. 24 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) Davao Region said Thursday it has begun discussions with a Malaysian company about potential market opportunities for coconut shells as an alternative energy resource.

Through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), DA Davao Region officials recently met with Borneo New Energy representatives to assess the availability and volume of coconut shells and other by products in the region and to explore potential collaboration on their sustainable use.

The company expressed interest in purchasing coconut shells for energy production, with an initial plan for about 100 metric tons, pending further assessment of supply capacity.

In a statement, the DA's regional office s...