Cagayan: A total of 103,818 coconut seedlings have been planted in Cagayan province since last year, with ongoing efforts to reach the nationwide target of 100 million coconut trees by 2028.
According to Philippines News Agency, Noel Compra, area coordinator of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) in Cagayan, stated that under the Massive Coconut Planting and Replanting Project (MCPP), the PCA is encouraging farmers' cooperatives, state universities and colleges, and other public and private partners to join the nationwide replanting and expansion of coconut tree plantations to achieve the 100-million target.
Compra highlighted that communal coconut nurseries are currently located in strategic areas where local cultivars thrive for six months before being distributed to partners willing to invest in the revitalized coconut industry program under the Marcos administration.
"Right now, we are partnering with the different local government units in Regions I, II, and the Cordillera Administrative Region, including colleges and universities and accredited coconut farmers organizations, to promote the planting of high-yielding varieties of coconut for expansion," Compra explained.
Compra mentioned that those interested in obtaining free planting materials can contact the PCA, which will facilitate connections to the nearest established coconut nurseries.
This year, PCA Cagayan plans to plant close to 70,000 coconut seedlings, covering an area of 485 hectares. The primary target areas include the coconut-producing towns of Abulug, Pamplona, Sanchez Mira, Claveria, and Sta. Praxedes. Future expansions are planned for the towns of Iguig, Alcala, Aparri, Ballesteros, Camalaniugan, Gattaran, Lasam, Gonzaga, and Santa Teresita, among others.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved a total of PHP3.5 billion for the massive planting/replanting and fertilization of coconut as part of the country's poverty alleviation program. Known as the "tree of life," the coconut is valued for its versatile nature, with practical uses for every part of the plant, from roots to tips.
