PCA says 100-M coconut tree goal on track, eyes boost in yields and farmer support

GMA Network

5 days ago

The Philippine Coconut Authority said it is on pace to meet President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s target of planting 100 million coconut trees by the end of his term, as part of a national strategy to revitalize the country's coconut industry, increase export earnings, and support millions of Filipino farmers.
PCA Administrator Dr. Dexter Buted said the agency is implementing a 'twin program' focused on large-scale planting and fertilization to address aging coconut trees, improve productivity, and strengthen the industry's role in the economy.
'Ito po 'yung mandato ng ating mahal na Presidente, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., na magtanim ng 100 million coconuts," said Buted at a televised public briefing on Wednesday.
(This is the directive of our beloved President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. — to plant 100 million coconuts.)
The Philippines is currently the world's second-largest coconut producer, with an annual yield of approximately 14.7 billion coconuts. Indonesia, the current leader, produces around 17.1 billion. According to Buted, the government aims to close this gap by improving sustainability and productivity through the twin program.
'Para mapalampasan natin at tayo ang manguna sa global market, kailangan tayong gumawa ng mga hakbang," he said.
(To surpass them and lead the global market, we must take proactive steps.)
Targets and Progress
Since the initiative began in 2022, PCA has planted around 1.7 million coconut seedlings in 2023. In 2024, the agency reported planting 8.6 million seedlings, slightly surpassing its 8.3 million target. For 2025, it aims to plant 15.3 million, and from 2026 to 2028, 25 million trees per year, totaling 100 million by the end of the program.
Buted added that with sustained implementation, the country could reach an estimated yield of 20.1 billion coconuts by 2034 — even beyond the current administration's term.
'Pagdating ng 2034, kahit hindi na niya term, makikita mo na talagang umusbong — nanguna tayo," he noted.
(By 2034, even after the President's term ends, you will see that the industry has flourished — we will be leading.)
Economic and Industry Impact
According to PCA, the coconut industry contributes around $2.2 billion annually in export revenues. Coconut is one of the country's top agricultural exports, with emerging applications in biofuel and aviation fuel.
'May aviation fuel tayo — nag-start na tayo sa EU na nasa 2% ng requirement nila para ma-blend natin sa ating fuel,' Buted said.
(We've begun blending our coconut-derived aviation fuel with 2% of the EU's fuel requirement.)
PCA also reported enhancements to the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), recently amended under the Marcos administration. The updated plan includes components such as social protection, community-based farm enterprises, and cooperative development.
Among the new support mechanisms is a medical assistance program that provides farmers and their dependents with up to P40,000 for hospitalization costs, on top of existing government healthcare coverage. Outpatients may also receive P5,000 in support.
'Pag na-hospital ang farmer…nakakapagbigay tayo ng maximum of P40,000,' Buted said.
(When a farmer is hospitalized, we can provide up to P40,000.)
Mobile medical missions and medicine distribution are also being conducted in farming communities as part of the rollout.
PCA estimated that the coconut industry directly supports about 2.8 million farmers and indirectly benefits around 20 million people across the country.
The agency said it will continue monitoring progress and adjusting strategies as needed to meet its long-term targets in both production and social development.—AOL, GMA Integrated News