PCA –The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), in accordance with Proclamation No 142 series of 1987, launched this year’s month-long celebration of the 34th National Coconut Week this morning in simple ceremonies at the PCA Auditorium in its Main office in Elliptical Road, Quezon City. PCA Administrator Benjamin Madrigal Jr said this year’s celebration with the theme “Masaganang Niyugan Tungo sa Kaginhawaan” aims to “heighten people’s awareness and appreciation for our industry’s promising contribution to our country’s economy and our people’s wellbeing”.

(Philippine Coconut Authority photo)

The month long celebrations will highlight the coconut farmers and industry which took a toll on the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic. The PCA is collaborating with relevant government agencies and other stakeholders for a country wide promotion of coconut as a “Healthy Food” for the Filipinos. Promotion of different uses of coconut products beneficial to health is important particularly in this time that people are conscious of their health.

The kick off ceremony recognized different farmers in various contests. Cocolaki for the biggest coconut; Cocodami for the most coconut in a single-bunch tree; Cocokapal for the thickest coconut; and Cocobigat for the heaviest coconut.

Various activities will highlight this year’s celebrations. CocoMersyo introduces online shopping of coconut products such as VCO, coconut flour, coco sugar, cooking oil, and many more. Cocosina is a series of online cooking sessions and demonstrations using various coconut food ingredients. Cocoskwela features online learning through a School on air program. Launched in Lucena City, Region IV, the online education will benefit farmers in the area.

The celebrations will be capped by a Webinar series to delve on various issues affecting the coconut industry and the farmers. The 5-day webinar series is in partnership with the Coalition for Agriculture Modernization in the Philippines, Inc. (CAMP), a SEC-registered non-stock and non-profit NGO whose volunteer members are from agriculture, agribusiness, industry, academe, government, professional groups and international organizations.

PCA Administrator Madrigal also said that PCA will launch its Transformation initiative to “start our journey to becoming the leading agency in the agriculture sector, steering a market-driven coconut industry with greater global reach and significance.” The PCA Multi-Sector Advisory Board (MSAB) will take oath on the celebrations’ closing ceremony on August 28 to signal PCA’s enrolment to the Institute of Solidarity in Asia. “Let’s work together to achieve our common goal for the coconut industry to improve and benefit our coconut farmers and industry stakeholders”, Administrator Madrigal said.
(PCA StratComm)