THE Philippines is aiming to reclaim the top spot in coconut production after slipping to second next to Indonesia.
Dexter Buted, administrator of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), said they’re hoping that the Philippines will be world’s top coconut producer in a span of five years.
Speaking on the sidelines of their 51st anniversary recently, Buted said part of their efforts to achieve this goal is to plant 100 million coconut trees across the country, following the directive of President Bongbong Marcos.
Around two million coconut trees have been planted in 2023 and more than eight million are targeted to be planted this year.
“So mayroon na tayong catch-up plan kung paano itatanim, saan itatanim, sinong magtatanim. So, buo iyong plano ng PCA para i-implement iyong 100 million coconuts trees na ating itatanim,” Buted said.
He said the dip in production may be attributed to senile coconut trees in the country, which are 60 to 70 years old on average.
Asked about priority areas, he said factors are being looked into to ensure growth of coconut trees.
“Dito sa Ilocos region, napakababa. Less than one million lang iyong coconut trees compared to Region 4A na mayroong 44 million na coconut trees, and other parts of Visayas and Mindanao,” Buted said.
He added: “Visayas and Mindanao. Una iyong suitability, climate pa rin ang number one consideration natin at pamalit natin doon sa mga senile na mga coconuts. So papalitan lang natin iyong mga matatanda na doon. At take note, marami tayong processing plants sa areas ng Visayas and Mindanao,” he added.
Buted said the upcoming La Niña will not affect the growth of the coconut trees they will be planting.
The PCA is hopeful that this effort will increase production of coconut and its by products such as oil.
“Kailangan tayo mag-invest pati sa fertilization. Kasi iyong ating fertilization ay 1 percent lang sa buong 340 million coconut trees ang naibibigay na budget. Sa ngayon, hindi lang dinoble. From 158 million, we are asking the government para bigyan tayo ng pondo ng P2.4 billion para sa ganun ay aalis na tayo diyan sa one percent fertilization budget, aakyat naman tayo sa 15 percent,” Buted added.
Aside from ensuring the sustainability of coconut industry, PCA is also mandated to look after the welfare of coconut farmers in the country.
They have crafted policies such as helping the hospitalization needs of coconut farmers. (ABS-CBN News)
