Efforts are underway to advocate for the advancement of the coffee, cacao, and coconut industries in the Philippines, emphasizing the implementation of sustainable and competitive programs for these key crops.
These were the highlights of the recently concluded Coffee, Cacao, and Coconut (CoCaNut) National Congress, themed “Coffee, Cacao, and Coconut: Thriving and Innovating through Changing Climates,” held at the Iloilo Convention Center in the Mandurriao district of Iloilo City.
In a message by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., delivered by Department of Agriculture (DA) Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban, he conveyed his endorsement for the CoCaNut industry and underscored the significance of enhancing production capabilities to bolster economic prospects.
“Indeed, by fortifying our production and export capabilities in these three sectors, we must strengthen our production capabilities and extend our reach beyond our borders to increase the international demand for our fine coffee, cacao, and coconut produce. This will not only boost our economic prospects and showcase the world-class quality of our agricultural products but also create countless job opportunities and economic growth for our businesses, farmers, and local communities,” he said.
The president also stressed that his administration prioritizes the entire agricultural value chain with the goal of guaranteeing fair compensation for farmers.
“Just as I have always stated, this administration is focusing on the entire agricultural value chain, from production to processing to marketing, ensuring that our farmers receive fair compensation for their products, while making nutritious food accessible to consumers,” he added.
To date, the Department of Agriculture has been actively executing the strategies outlined in the Coffee Industry Roadmap and Cacao Industry Roadmap for 2021-2025. These initiatives aim to boost the country’s production of these vital crops to meet both export and domestic demands.
The coordination of the congress is overseen by the Panay Organization for Progressive Agriculture (POPA) Cooperative, led by Dr. Louie Tirador.
The collaborative effort also extends to partnerships with the Iloilo City Government, Iloilo Provincial Government, Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) 6, and various Regional Line Agencies in Western Visayas, including the DA, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). ### (Ira Y. Cruz, DA-AFID)
