Manila: The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is targeting to plant 700,000 coconut tree seedlings in Northern Luzon in 2026, part of the agency's goal to plant 100 million coconut trees nationwide by 2028. PCA Regional Manager Mark Roy Macanlalay stated that the Northern Luzon cluster comprises the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, and the Cordillera Administrative Region. The agency is providing 23,000 coconut farmers with free seedlings to enhance coconut production.

According to Philippines News Agency, Macanlalay emphasized the importance of farmer cooperation despite the provision of free seedlings. He noted the survival rate of planted seedlings in 2024 was 69.2 percent, with over 276,000 of the 399,558 coconut seedlings planted in Northern Luzon surviving.

Macanlalay identified several challenges in growing coconut seedlings, including drought, typhoons, livestock, and grassfires. He highlighted heat as the primary issue, urging farmers to plant near water sources to facilitate irrigation. Additionally, farmers are encouraged to manage livestock and prevent grassfires.

The coconut industry significantly contributes around USD3 billion annually to the country's agricultural exports. Coconut serves as a raw material for various products such as virgin coconut oil and cooking oil.