LUCENA CITY, October 22 — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)-Southern Luzon Command (SoLCom) Commander, Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Parlade, Jr. committed support to the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) as to a lineup of collaborative undertakings laid out by Regional Manager Ramon L. Rivera during a courtesy call paid by the latter on October 22, 2020.

In photo (from left to right): PCA Quezon I Chief Joselito R. Alcantara, AFP SoLCom Commander Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Parlade, Jr., PCA IV Regional Manager Ramon L. Rivera, and Project Development Officer IV Engr. Edilberto D. Escobar.

Manager Rivera along with Engr. Edilberto D. Escobar (Project Development Officer IV) and Joselito R. Alcantara (PCA Quezon I Chief) aimed to seek the relevant assistance of AFP on various matters relative to the implementation of PCA programs and projects. Rivera discussed the challenges being faced and has been facing by the agency, and the potential solutions which AFP can assist PCA with – particularly in the hauling of fertilizers from the warehouse in Calaca, Batangas to the various drop-off points in MIMAROPA.

Other collaborations being considered by both parties include the development of a coconut hybrid demo farm and the establishment of coconut nurseries at the AFP- SoLCom Brigade Headquarters/Camps in Padre Burgos and Calauag, Quezon.

PLt. Gen. Parlade looks forward to the conduct of a ceremonial planting activity in line with the celebration of the DOST-PCA Coconut Planting Day on November 18, 2020, and more collaboration efforts with PCA. ### (PCA IV)