“Coconut Industry Modernization: Pillar of a Resilient and Sustainable Nation” is this year’s theme for the 37th National Coconut Week celebration held from August 23 to September 1, 2023, at the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Central Office, Quezon City.
The annual event brought together various partners of PCA and other coconut industry stakeholders across the country.
The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) is one of the government agencies and research and development institutions that participated in commemorating the event.
Emphasizing modernization, partners from the private sector and other national agencies highlighted in a forum their initiatives on expanding and sustaining the market on coconut.
Private companies such as Natura Aeropack Corporation, Franklin Baker Company of the Philippines, and Primex Group of Companies shared their corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects and sustainability initiatives for coconut farmers and cooperatives. Among these supports are farmers’ welfare development through health and benefits projects, capacity building, social entrepreneurship development, and educational assistance for coconut farmers’ dependents. They also pledged continuing support in keeping a clean, green, and sustainable use of natural resources.
Engr. Rafael S. Diaz, petroleum and biofuel consultant, and Ms. Abbie B. Padrones of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of DOST (DOST-FNRI) also shared the advantages of using coco methyl ester (CME) blend in biofuels and coconut milk for school feeding programs, respectively.
Coconut food products exhibit during the opening ceremony of the 37th National Coconut Week. (Image credit: Crops Research Division, DOST-PCAARRD)
PCA Deputy Administrator Roel M. Rosales in his welcome remarks emphasized the need for the industry to recalibrate its understanding of the value of coconut and all its benefits. He also added that public-private partnership is essential in boosting the coconut industry.
Department of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Secretary Rex C. Estoperez, on behalf of Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban, expressed DA’s commitment to helping advance the country’s coconut industry and resolving industry challenges that hinder its development.
DOST-PCAARRD supports the modernization of the coconut industry by funding research and development initiatives through its Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) for Coconut, which also includes the Coconut Hybridization Program (CHP).
The annual National Coconut Week is celebrated every August through the virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 142 series of 1987 to recognize the importance of coconut in the country.