Dinagat islands: The provincial government of Dinagat Islands, in collaboration with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), has resumed the distribution of coconut seedlings to local farmers. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to revitalize the coconut industry in the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, the latest distribution effort commenced on Tuesday, targeting 586 coconut farmers across seven towns in the Dinagat Islands. The initiative aims to provide a total of 59,972 seedlings to these farmers, as part of the government's Massive Coconut Planting and Replanting Program under the Coconut-based Agroforestry Project.

Governor Nilo Demerey Jr. announced in a statement on Wednesday that the distribution of coconut seedlings is a crucial component of the recovery strategy following the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Odette in 2021. Last week, the program successfully distributed around 20,713 seedlings to 242 farmers in three towns, illustrating the concerted effort to support local agriculture.

Demerey also highlighted the significant role of various government agencies, particularly the Department of Agriculture and the PCA, in facilitating the program. The province has been allocated a total of 400,000 coconut seedlings, valued at PHP20 million, for distribution to farmers within the year. This allocation underscores the government's commitment to aiding farmers whose livelihoods were severely impacted by the typhoon, which led to the uprooting of thousands of coconut trees in the region.