The importance of research and development (R&D) projects to aid in the rehabilitation of typhoon-damaged coconut farms in Regions VI and VII was the highlight of a recent Coconut Hybridization Information Caravan and Proposal Writeshop.
Organized by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), the said activity was held in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.
In 2021, Typhoon Odette damaged coconut growing areas in Visayas leading to a decline in annual nut production.
In Central Visayas alone, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) reported a total damage of about 4.6 million coconut bearing palms that need to be replaced to achieve the region's 1.2 billion total nut requirements.
Two invited PCA representatives gave an overview of the Western and Central Visayas’ coconut industry situation during the activity.
PCA Region VII’s Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) Focal Person Aurora L. Paquibot highlighted that replacing the damaged palms in the region with high- yielding and early bearing coconut hybrids is among the viable options to fill the supply gap.
PCA Region VI Regional Manager Neil J. Melencion also added that aside from typhoons, the senility of coconut trees, pest and disease infestations, and low farmers’ adoption of available technologies affect the production in their region.
Participating State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Research and Development Institutes (RDIs) included PCA Regions VI and VII, West Visayas State University, Iloilo Science and Technology University, Capiz State University, University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos, Cebu Technological University, Silliman University, Bohol Island State University, Negros Oriental State University, and Siquijor State College. The Local Government Units of Bohol and Cebu also attended the caravan to express their support to the activity.
The SUCs and RDIs were expected to submit proposals on coconut hybridization that would address the identified region-specific R&D gaps.
DOST-PCAARRD Crops Research Division (CRD) Director Leilani D. Pelegrina assured the participants of the Council's continuous commitment to assisting and guiding them beyond the information caravan. “We want to foster collaboration, empowerment, and partnership with you.” she added.
The Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) Manager for Coconut Alissa Carol M. Ibarra and other CRD staff members also participated in the activity to disseminate information about CFIDP CHP and DOST-PCAARRD’s proposal submission