To bolster the coconut industry, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is advancing its ‘𝑡𝑤𝑖𝑛’ 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡 focused on the planting, replanting, and fertilization of coconut trees. Spearheaded by PCA Administrator, Dr. Dexter R. Buted, the initiative aims to rejuvenate the industry by enhancing coconut productivity. The project recently took a significant step forward as PCA officials met with key stakeholders to discuss the crucial Coconut Fertilization Project (CFP).

Administrator Buted, arm in arm with PCA Deputy Administrator for Operations Roel M. Rosales and OIC-Department Manager of the Program Management Office Dennis D. Andres, convened with Pangasinan State University (PSU) President Dr. Elbert M. Galas and DOST 1 - Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No. 1 Director Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog. The discussion centered on the application of Agricultural Grade Salt Fertilizer (AGSF) to rehabilitate low-bearing coconut palms, a critical component of the CFP.

This collaborative meeting underscored a whole-of-the-nation approach, emphasizing the synergy between PCA, PSU, and DOST Region 1. The dialogue highlighted the potential for direct collaboration with salt farmers via Local Government Units (LGUs) and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) nationwide. Additionally, leveraging research, innovation, and development to boost salt production, particularly in high-yielding salt-producing provinces in Region 1, also in Occidental Mindoro and Bulacan.

𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙏𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙇𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙂𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙨

In its recent efforts, the PCA has forged a memorandum of agreement with the Province of Pangasinan for the supply, handling, transport, and delivery of 4,180 bags of AGSF under the Coconut Fertilization Project for CY 2024. This agreement marks a significant stride in fast-tracking the supply and utilization of AGSF across the country, aligning with the PCA’s mandate to fortify the coconut industry. Administrator Buted emphasized the importance of expanding similar collaborations with other LGUs to ensure the widespread adoption of AGSF and the sustained growth of the coconut sector.

𝙆𝙚𝙮 𝙍𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙋𝙎𝙐 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘿𝙊𝙎𝙏 𝙍𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚 1

The meeting highlighted the critical roles of PSU and DOST Region 1 in bringing these initiatives to fruition. As one of the top salt-producing regions, Region 1 is poised to lead the charge in supporting these projects. The collaboration between PSU and DOST Region 1 is further bolstered by their involvement in the Philippine Salt Industry Development Roadmap (PSIDR) and the DOST-NICER: ASIN Center program. PSU, as a leading SUC in salt development, innovation, and sustainability, has already demonstrated its commitment by hosting the first-ever Philippine Salt Congress in 2022.

𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙂𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙩𝙝

The synergy between the coconut and salt industries through PCA's initiatives is crucial for the nation's agricultural development. The collaboration ensures that both industries complement each other, fostering innovation and sustainability. By involving salt farmers directly through LGUs and SUCs, the PCA's Coconut Fertilization Project not only boosts coconut productivity but also revitalizes the salt industry, ensuring a holistic approach to national agricultural growth.

This strategic meeting and the subsequent agreements set a promising precedent for future collaborations, signaling a robust future for both the coconut and salt industries in the Philippines. As these projects progress, the PCA, together with its partners, remains committed to driving the nation’s agricultural sector toward greater heights, ultimately benefiting farmers and stakeholders across the Philippines.