QUEZON CITY, Philippines — Amidst the limitations and restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is virtually taking the stage again as it celebrates the 35th National Coconut Week, which will kick-off on August 3, 2021.

Themed “Negosyanteng Magniniyog: Kaagapay Tungo sa Maunlad na Ekonomiya,” this year’s month-long celebration aims to increase coconut raw material utilization, provide additional income to farmers and farming communities, and target partnership between investors and coconut farmer organizations.

For the first time, a virtual trade fair will be conducted for potential consumers, buyers, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), investors, and other stakeholders who wish to participate and explore opportunities without leaving the comfort of their homes and offices. The virtual exhibit will give exhibitors an innovative platform to get business leads as they virtually interact with visitors/clients just like in the traditional trade fair. In partnership with the Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, a Coconut Festival Trade Fair will also run every Thursdays to Sundays of August in selected malls, which aims to promote health and wellness by supporting local farmers and local produce.

On August 4 and 6, a series of investment fora will be hosted to allow government agencies, coconut farmer cooperatives, and the private sector to discuss investment prospects for the industry. Subsequently, a three-day business-to-business meeting will be conducted wherein international buyers and investors are invited for a business matching session with our local suppliers.

Likewise, PCA, banking on the success of last year’s “Coco-Kwentuhan sa Negosyo,” is inspired to continue the five-day online webinar series that will run from August 23 to 27, showcasing the success stories and best practices of coconut-based enterprises, and highlighting the important role of partnership and convergence among coconut farmer organizations, LGUs, private sector, organized industry, and other stakeholders.

PCA Regional Offices will also be organizing localized activities to celebrate the occasion.

“I enjoin each and every one of you to join us and actively participate in these contributing to transforming the industry towards a secure and resilient coconut industry with empowered and prosperous farmers,” PCA Administrator Benjamin R. Madrigal, Jr. said.

An annual event of PCA, the Coconut Week celebration, mandated by Presidential Proclamation 142 signed by the late President Corazon C. Aquino in 1987, pays tribute and recognition of the benefits derived from the coconut industry and aims to establish a continuing awareness of its importance to the economy and society.

The 35th National Coconut Week is open to the public. For more information, please visit https://nationalcoconutweek.com/ and the PCA Market Research and Promotions Division Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pca.mrpd.###