Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Administrator and CEO, Dr. Dexter R. Buted met with executives of Moro Gulf Sterling Products Development Corporation and Al Raiz Logging Company at the PCA Central Office to explore a strategic partnership on coconut reforestation and industry development in the Bangsamoro region.

The meeting, held at the PCA Central Office, centered on the private sector-led initiative to develop over 10,000 hectares of land covered by an Integrated Forest Management Agreement (IFMA) in Maguindanao del Norte into productive agroforestry zones. The IFMA, granted by the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), spans the municipalities of Datu Odin Sinsuat and Upi. The project currently engages 500 local families, combining agroforestry with livelihood opportunities.

Leading the visiting delegation was BARMM Minister of Labor and Employment and Moro Gulf Chairperson Muslimin G. Sema, accompanied by Bai Hadiyah Maika A. Sema and Eduardo Dela Fuente Jr. The PCA side was composed of Administrator Buted, Deputy Administrator for Operations Roel Rosales, Acting Project Management Office Head Dennis Andres, and Corporate Planning Services Manager Ma. Odessa Pacaul.

During the meeting, Moro Gulf and Al Raiz representatives presented the progress of their reforestation efforts, including the establishment of a 1,500-hectare coconut-cacao plantation that currently involves around 500 local families. The group sought PCA’s technical support and programmatic alignment, particularly in integrating their initiative with the agency’s flagship Massive Coconut Planting Program (MCPP) and Coconut Fertilization Program (CFP).

PCA chief welcomed the proposal and underscored the importance of building local partnerships in fulfilling President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to plant 100 million trees under a nationwide greening and agricultural productivity agenda.

He also underscored the project’s synergy with PCA’s MCPP and CFP, saying "This partnership exemplifies the whole-of-nation approach needed to reclaim our position as the world’s top coconut producer."

Minister Sema expressed appreciation for PCA’s openness and reaffirmed the private sector group’s commitment to aligning its reforestation goals with the national coconut industry roadmap.

The initiative shows a promising collaboration between a national government agency and private sector entities, aiming to bolster the Philippine coconut industry and provide sustainable livelihoods for communities in Mindanao. As the PCA continues its drive towards a "quality era" and a renewed focus on farmer welfare, partnerships like this are indispensable in achieving national agricultural and economic targets.