Driven by its mandate to champion the palm oil industry, the Philippine Coconut Authority participated at the 13th National Palm Oil Congress in Davao City on August 14-15, 2024.

Hosted by the Philippine Palm Oil Development Council, Inc., the congress brought together key stakeholders, including palm oil planters, cooperatives, millers, refiners, corporations, government agencies, and local government units, to engage in strategic discussions and planning. The event aimed to foster innovative and actionable solutions to pressing challenges while strengthening business linkages to ensure a sustainable and thriving palm oil industry.

PCA, represented by Administrator and CEO Dr. Dexter R. Buted, alongside Regional Manager Juvy T. Alayon (Region XII), underscored the agency’s pivotal role in the sector. As the sole government entity mandated to spearhead the development of the coconut and palm oil sectors, the PCA remains at the forefront of efforts to maximize the potential of the "golden crop"—uplifting the economy, creating jobs, and transforming the lives of Filipino farmers nationwide.

Administrator Buted highlighted the newly crafted industry roadmap, stating, “𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑃𝐶𝐴 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑃ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑝𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑃𝑎𝑙𝑚 𝑂𝑖𝑙 𝐼𝑛𝑑𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑦 𝑅𝑜𝑎𝑑𝑚𝑎𝑝 2024-2033—𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒ℎ𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠. 𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑟𝑜𝑎𝑑𝑚𝑎𝑝 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑠 𝑎 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑔𝑖𝑐 𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑓𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑢𝑖𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑙𝑚 𝑜𝑖𝑙 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑦 𝑡𝑜 𝑢𝑛𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠.”

The PCA chief’s direct engagements with industry stakeholders upheld the Authority’s dedication to actively listening and responding to on-ground concerns. These pivotal discussions not only strengthened the PCA's leadership position but also harmonized industry objectives with government strategies. Moreover, they paved the way for potential partnerships and collaborations, ensuring that the industry's needs are effectively addressed and met.

The two-day congress served as a crucial platform for stakeholders to discuss the Philippines' position on the global stage. It facilitated the exchange of best practices, technological advancements, innovations, and development initiatives within the industry. financing programs and potential areas for collaboration between the government and the private sector. Presentations from invited resource speakers provided insights into the key topics.

A standout feature of the congress was an exhibit showcasing a diverse array of products, services, and resources from key stakeholders in the palm oil sector. This showcase not only spotlighted cutting-edge innovations but also actively promoted trade and business matching. By facilitating direct interactions between industry participants, the exhibit bolstered opportunities for strategic partnerships and collaborative ventures, driving forward growth and synergy across the palm oil industry.

The 13th National Palm Oil Congress underscored the critical importance of a unified approach to advancing the palm oil industry in the Philippines. As the Authority continues to drive innovation and collaboration, the momentum generated at this congress is set to propel the sector toward sustainable growth, economic prosperity, and improved livelihoods for countless Filipino farmers.

The PCA’s unwavering commitment to the industry not only strengthens the palm oil sector but also reinforces its integral role in the broader agricultural landscape of the nation.