The ilocos region: The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) has designated the Ilocos Region, alongside Cagayan Valley and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), as a special coconut zone to serve as an area for the expansion of high-value coconut crop planting. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to bolster coconut production and achieve the goal of planting 100 million coconut palms by the end of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s term.
According to Philippines News Agency, PCA regional manager Mark Roy Macanlalay highlighted the current coconut palm numbers in the identified regions, noting that Region 1 has 900,000 coconut palms, with the majority located in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, and Bolinao, Pangasinan. Additionally, Region 2 hosts 1.2 million coconut palms, and there are several hundred in CAR, which is still a small fraction compared to the national total of 343 million coconut palms.
The PCA is actively seeking partnerships with local government units (LGUs) to encourage coconut farming in Region 1, where the focus has traditionally been on cash crops like corn, rice, and onions. Macanlalay mentioned that LGUs might establish their own coconut seed farms, with the PCA providing planting materials. The previous dispersal system of planting materials is being phased out due to a lack of assurance regarding their planting.
Macanlalay emphasized the importance of proper planting techniques, noting that simply placing a seedling in the ground is insufficient. Proper preparation, water, and fertilizer are necessary to expedite the fruiting stage, which can otherwise take up to eight years. The PCA's advocacy efforts include trade fairs and farmer dialogues to promote coconut plantation expansion.
The PCA is also encouraging farmers to form cooperatives to empower them to engage in business and reduce dependency on traders. Macanlalay stated that 15 government agencies, including the PCA, are implementing programs funded by the Coconut Farmers Industry Development Fund, each with a specific role in supporting this initiative.
The demand for coconut in Region 1 currently exceeds supply, underscoring the need for increased production. Macanlalay expressed a desire for Pangasinan coconut farmers to meet local needs, as a significant portion of the current supply comes from Aurora and Cagayan provinces.
