Quezon City – In a move to confront the stark reality of climate change and mounting food demands, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) convened its first National Forum on Best Practices and Trends in Agriculture on May 2, 2025. Themed “Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture: The Future of Farming,” the forum gathered over a hundred stakeholders from across the agricultural sector, aiming to drive innovation, resilience, and sustainability in Philippine agriculture.

PCA Administrator & CEO, Dr. Dexter R. Buted galvanized attendees with a powerful call to "hack the system," advocating for a revolutionary transformation of the agricultural sector. He underscored that climate change, food insecurity, and inequitable supply chains demand bold, immediate action, urging a fusion of traditional wisdom and modern innovation.

"The most dangerous phrase in agriculture is not ‘That won’t work’, it’s ‘We’ve always done it this way,’" PCA chief asserted, challenging attendees to rethink outdated practices.

The event showcased expert-led presentations, including Dr. Marc Sylvester P. Garcia, a professor from Laguna State Polytechnic University, delivered a compelling talk on “Harmonizing Tradition and Innovation in Farming,” emphasizing the balance between indigenous practices and smart farming; Mr. Elmer Robles, PCA technical staff, delved into “Supply Chain Modernization, Industry 4.0, and the Next Green Evolution,” outlining critical shifts in agricultural logistics, the potential of automation in streamlining the farm-to-market pathway, and the integration of environmentally sound practices; Dr. Ethel Chua, PCA consultant, delivered the keynote speech on "Leveraging Technology for Smarter Agriculture," exploring the potential of digital tools and innovations to enhance productivity and efficiency.

With the forum applied for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accreditation with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), participants were granted an opportunity to gain CPD points while engaging in vital discourse to exchange best practices, examine emerging technologies, and reimagine the agricultural landscape amid climate challenges and rapid digital advancement.

As climate threats and food demand escalate, the PCA’s 1st National Forum on Best Practices and Trends in Agriculture signifies its proactive stance in addressing the evolving needs of the agricultural sector. Through dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration, the Authority empowers stakeholders to build a smarter, greener, and more resilient future for farming in the Philippines.