Quezon City – Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) convened its top officials and regional representatives for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Internal Planning and Budget Conference (IPBC) on February 19-20, 2025, at PCA Agrohub Building.

This two-day event, organized by PCA Corporate Planning Service (CPS) Department led by Department Manager, Ma. Odessa M. Pacaul, served as a mechanism for shaping the Authority’s financial and strategic direction for the coming fiscal year, ensuring alignment with on-the-ground realities, and directly addressing coconut farmers and industry needs.

PCA Administrator and CEO Dexter R. Buted underscored the critical role of the conference in shaping the future of the coconut industry. He urged attendees to consider the perspectives of coconut farmers, highlighting that every plan and strategy has the potential to uplift millions of lives. The chief also outlined three guiding principles: strategic alignment, financial prudence, and impact-driven execution. He called for resourceful, innovative, and accountable financial decision-making, moving beyond mere compliance to achieve real transformation within the industry.

Over two days, participants engaged in intensive sessions covering key aspects of FY 2026 plan and budget preparation. DBM general guidelines were cascaded, providing the framework for crafting budget proposals and outlining Tier 2 proposal parameters. Regional Offices and Research Centers presented their Tier 1 and Tier 2 proposals, outlining projects, activities, and programs planned for FY 2026. These presentations served as an open forum for top management to provide feedback, offer guidance, and ensure alignment with PCA’s overall strategic objectives. Management comments focused on refining proposals, optimizing resource allocation, and maximizing impact on coconut farming communities. Discussions also explored potential synergies between regional initiatives and national programs, to create a more cohesive and effective approach to coconut industry development.

Expected outputs from IPBC include a comprehensive Work and Financial Plan for FY 2026-2028, an Indicative Annual Procurement Plan (APP) for the same period, and a detailed FY 2026 Plan and Budget Proposal Timeline. These deliverables will serve as crucial inputs for subsequent technical budget reviews and workshops with the Department of Agriculture.

Open dialogue during the conference ensured that budget proposals reflected actual challenges and opportunities faced by coconut farmers. This collaborative approach moves beyond top-down mandates, empowering regions to contribute meaningfully to the development of the Authority’s financial roadmap.

This direct interaction allowed for a robust exchange of ideas that supports a sense of shared ownership in the budget planning process. By incorporating insights from those closest to coconut farming communities, PCA aims to craft a budget that is not only financially sound but also strategically targeted for maximum impact.