The Coconut Hybridization Program (CHP) Research is one of the programs under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), also known as Republic Act 11524. CHP Research is being managed by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD). The program intends to address the persisting supply and demand gap by increasing the productivity of coconut hybrids by adopting appropriate technologies and providing research support on coconut hybridization.

The program is open for the following research institutions:

• PCA Research Centers and Regional Offices
• Higher  Education Institutions (HEIs) 
• Other Research and Development Institutions (RDIs)

Research institutions must follow DOST Administrative Order No. 11 series of 2020, which states the following, to apply for a CHP Research grant:

• Alignment with and support of the Harmonized National R&D Agenda (HNRDA); and 
• No duplication with completed and ongoing programs/projects.

The following are the criteria for a Program/Project Leader:

1. Must be a Filipino citizen, subject to applicable law;
2. Shall submit documents/proof of the following, including but not limited to: credentials/proof of capability; certificate of employment; track record; and endorsement of his/her institution. Eligibility shall be determined by the assigned Monitoring Agency based on his/her readiness in terms of technical, managerial, financial and marketing capabilities (if necessary); 
3. Must hold a permanent or regular position and not due to retire during the conduct of the program/project; 
4. Must not have any existing accountability with DOST and its agencies, particularly technical and financial reports; and 
5. Must not have been found guilty of administrative or criminal cases, including those under appeal.

CHP Research has no limit for fund requests. However, approval of the program/project can be affected by fund requests. 

• Directors’ Council (DC): Below 5 million pesos
• Governing Council (GC): Above 5 million pesos

CHP Research program/project has no particular prescribed duration. A proposal can vary widely depending on its scope, objectives, and work plan. Primarily, the duration is determined by the objectives and goals outlined in the proposed work plan, ensuring adequate time for thorough implementation and achieving desired outcomes.

Programs/projects that fall under the following technological chains can be funded under CHP Research:

• Varietal selection and breeding
• Cultural management 
• Production of planting materials 
• Product diversification and processing 
• Technology transfer and promotion 
• Policy research and advocacy 
• Capability building

The application submission has no specific deadline, allowing flexibility for prospective applicants to submit their proposals at any time. This approach accommodates ongoing opportunities for research funding or project support without the constraints of fixed submission timelines. However, proponents are encouraged to connect with DOST-PCAARRD before submitting their proposals.

No, having an ongoing project on coconut is not a prerequisite for consideration in this program. 

The program likely welcomes proposals from a broad spectrum of applicants, including those who may be exploring coconut-related research for the first time. 

Applicants should focus on demonstrating the relevance of their proposed project to the program's objectives and criteria for evaluation.

DOST-PCAARRD highly encourages proponents to connect with the CHP Research Team through email chp@pcaarrd.dost.gov.ph and telephone number (049) 543-1624. Forms are available at https://dpmis.dost.gov.ph/ > transparency > downloads and download DOST Form 2.