A coconut research and development (R&D) planning and workshop was recently organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) to harmonize the R&D initiatives and strategies of relevant national government agencies (NGAs) and state universities and colleges (SUCs).
A total of 73 officials and representatives from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Visayas State University (VSU), and DOST-PCAARRD joined the activity.
The participants identified the gaps, challenges, and researchable areas in biotechnology and breeding, cultural and postharvest management, and insect pest and disease management to establish a national coconut R&D roadmap.
DOST-PCAARRD’s Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora delivers his opening message during the Coconut R&D Planning and Workshop held in Calamba, Laguna. (Image credit: CRD, DOST-PCAARRD)
This roadmap will provide direction and focus for coconut research—bridging gaps with science and technology (S&T) toward a sustainable, resilient, and progressive coconut industry.
Moving forward, it will be further discussed with S&T consultants to ensure that the industry needs will be addressed.
During the program, DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora emphasized the crucial role of the coconut industry in the Philippine economy and highlighted the need for unified, science-based efforts to address the industry's challenges.
Echoing this, PCA Deputy Administrator (DA) for R&D Roy T. Devesa stressed the program’s importance in aligning initiatives, harnessing people and resources, and establishing a cohesive vision for the industry’s advancement.
Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) Manager for Coconut Alissa Carol M. Ibarra facilitates one of the breakout sessions during the Coconut R&D Planning and Workshop. (Image credit: CRD, DOST-PCAARRD)
DA Devesa presented PCA’s coconut R&D initiatives in bioenergy and carbon accounting, integrated crop management and protection, varietal improvement, food and non-food products development, technology transfer, and intellectual property and commercialization.
Likewise, Ms. Maria Dara F. Realin and Dr. Maricel A. Leorna, representatives from UPLB and VSU, respectively, presented their agencies’ current coconut R&D initiatives.
DOST-PCAARRD Deputy Executive Director for R&D Juanito T. Batalon closed the program, assuring the agencies of the Council’s continuous support in achieving shared goals for the growth of the coconut industry.
Crops Research Division (CRD) Director Leilani D. Pelegrina, Assistant Director Sharie Al-Faiha A. Lubang, and Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) Manager for Coconut Alissa Carol M. Ibarra led the activity.