Quezon province opened the second day of its weeklong ‘Niyogyugan’ Festival with the 2nd Annual Coconut Farmers Summit held at the Quezon Convention Center, Lucena City. Around 728 coconut farmers from the 4 districts of the province attended.
The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), along with the other implementing agencies (IAs) of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), joined the activity to present the targets and accomplishments of the Coconut Hybridization Program (CHP) Research Component.
ISP Manager for Coconut Alissa Carol M. Ibarra presents the 2022–2023 accomplishments and 2024 targets of the Coconut Hybridization Program (CHP) Research Component. (Image Credit: Crops Research Division, DOST-PCAARRD)
DOST-PCAARRD’s Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) Manager for Coconut Alissa Carol M. Ibarra highlighted the approved 20 CHP research and development (R&D) projects, focusing on increasing the productivity of hybrid coconuts, guaranteeing the production and sustainability of quality hybrids, and strengthening human and physical resource capabilities of coconut stakeholders. Five of the approved R&D projects will be implemented in CALABARZON.
The Council also distributed information, education, and communication (IEC) materials and replied to the queries of coconut farmers on coconut R&D.
Aside from the presentations of each IA, the Quezon Coconut Industry Roadmap for 2023–2026 was also presented. The roadmap was crafted by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA); the Provincial Government of Quezon, through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg); and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Region IV, in consultation with the different CFIDP IAs and other provincial coconut stakeholders. Said roadmap is expected to strategically direct the growth, development, and sustainability of the coconut industry in Quezon province.
Coconut-farmer participants visit DOST-PCAARRD’s booth during the 2nd Annual Coconut Farmers Summit in Lucena City, Quezon. (Image Credit: Crops Research Division, DOST-PCAARRD)
Quezon Governor Angelina "Doktora Helen" D.L. Tan and Vice Governor Anacleto A. Alcala III stressed the importance of having targeted initiatives that will benefit both farmers and the sector, considering the substantial economic contributions of coconut farming in the province.
Provincial Assistance for Community & Sectoral Empowerment & Development Unit of the Provincial Government Office (PGO-PACSEDU) Head Antonio L. Manrique also encouraged the farmers to become farmer-entrepreneurs and build a more cohesive coconut farmer group to support the coconut sector and help in poverty alleviation.
The Niyogyugan Festival spotlights coconut as Quezon’s top commodity, contributing to the income of the thousands of coconut farmers in the province.