In a landmark event aimed at bolstering coconut industry sustainability and development, Calaca City, Batangas, and Philippine Coconut Authority hosted a tree planting activity and the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement on August 7, 2024.

Leading initiative were led by City Mayor Sofronio "Nas" C. Ona, Jr., City Agricultural Unit, Sangguniang Panlungsod in collaboration with the PCA, represented by Administrator Dexter R. Buted, Region IV-A headed by Regional Manager Bibiano C. Concibido, Jr.

This tree planting event, held as part of the Coconut Month Celebration and Calaca City's 'Hospitality' Month, saw participation from local coconut farmers, marking a significant milestone in the PCA's goal of planting 100 million coconut trees by 2028. The 'Hospitality' Month is one of 12 quality traits celebrated by Calacazens, underscoring the city's commitment to fostering strong community values.

Administrator Buted hailed the event as a prime example of the PCA’s “BAYANIyugan” campaign, a nationwide effort promoting a whole-of-nation approach to coconut industry development. He highlighted the agency’s progress in its “twin” project on planting/replanting and fertilization, which utilizes Agricultural-Grade Salt Fertilizer (AGSF) to revitalize coconut farms. This initiative also aims to rejuvenate the salt industry, providing additional income for salt-producing provinces.

The PCA chief also emphasized the agency’s commitment to improving the lives of coconut farmers through the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), which includes enhanced medical and social services. He noted the growing demand for coconut products, such as biofuel, sustainable aviation fuel, and activated carbon, underscoring the industry’s increasing significance. Strengthening coconut farmers' cooperatives is crucial, enabling them to access the benefits and services offered by various implementing agencies under the CFIDP.

Mayor Ona lauded the PCA's initiatives and encouraged local coconut farmers to engage actively with the agency's programs. He stressed the importance of collaboration between farmers and the government for greater agricultural success. He directed the city’s agricultural department to establish a technical working group to assist farmers in availing themselves of these programs.

The tree planting and MOA signing event in Calaca City exemplifies the successful collaboration between local government units and national agencies, setting a precedent for future agricultural and environmental initiatives.

As the PCA and Calaca City LGU continue to work together, the vision of planting 100 million coconut trees by 2028 becomes increasingly attainable, promising a brighter, more sustainable future for the nation’s coconut industry. In full support of this campaign, the PCA will host the nationwide simultaneous coconut tree planting on August 28, at 8:00 a.m. as part of its 2024 Coconut Week Celebration, all sectors are enjoined to answer to this heroic calling and be part of the industry's history.

With sustained support, the PCA's programs are poised to significantly transform the coconut sector, uplift the lives of farmers, and strengthen the broader agricultural landscape in the Philippines.