A newfangled partnership is on the horizon for the country’s coconut industry as the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) met with the Philippines Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture (PPSA) and Monde Nissin Corporation on January 9, 2025, to explore synergies in coconut farming and sustainability initiatives. The meeting was led by PCA Administrator and CEO Dexter R. Buted, PPSA Country Director Angel Bautista, and Monde Nissin representatives Head of Corporate and Government Affairs, Ms. Olive Misa and Mr. Marc Alejo.
Monde Nissin explored potential local partnerships for coconut growing to support the production of its new product, Goodnom Fresh Gata, headlining its commitment to local sourcing and sustainability. In response, ADRB assured that the PCA’s comprehensive coconut planting, replanting, and fertilization programs, launched in 2024, aim to secure a sufficient supply of coconuts within the next five years. He also encouraged the use of healthier coconut by-products, such as coconut oil, sugar, and flour, to enhance food products’ nutritional profiles, an area Monde Nissin plans to integrate into its product development strategies.
The dialogue extended to Monde Nissin’s pursuit of sustainable energy sources, particularly biofuels derived from coconuts, wherein ADRB highlighted the agency’s advancements in utilizing coconut-based biofuels, such as Coco-Methyl Ester (CME) and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), pressing on their potential to drive innovation in renewable energy.
In a promising development, Monde Nissin shared its willingness to support PCA’s community initiatives through shared value activities, including enhancing coconut farmers’ livelihoods and developing sustainable practices. The agency chief welcomed this commitment and suggested involving other CFIDP implementing agencies to broaden the scope and impact of these efforts.
The PCA’s flagship BAYANIyugan campaign was also introduced during the discussions. The campaign embodies a whole-of-nation approach, encouraging synergy across public and private sectors to fortify the coconut industry. The role of private partners like Monde Nissin is crucial in realizing transformative goals, such as increased production, innovation, and sustainable practices.
The meeting also served as an avenue to promote PCA’s flagship BAYANIyugan campaign, which adopts a whole-of-nation approach by involving private industries as vital partners. BAYANIyugan aims to bolster the coconut industry through multi-stakeholder participation, encouraging synergy across public and private sectors to achieve transformative results.
“This is the start of our partnership,” ADRB remarked, lauding the shared vision of PCA, PPSA, and Monde Nissin in promoting inclusive and sustainable agricultural value chains.
Both parties committed to a follow-up meeting involving Monde Nissin’s Research and Development and procurement teams to deepen the collaboration. PPSA, a multi-stakeholder platform under Grow Asia, reiterated its dedication to advancing resilient food systems and empowering smallholder farmers through partnerships that drive innovation and inclusivity.
This collaboration underscores a collective commitment to transforming the coconut industry for the benefit of coconut farmers and their communities. It reaffirms PCA’s unwavering mission to enhance farmers’ livelihoods while ensuring the industry’s long-term growth, sustainability, and resilience. ### (DA-Philippine Coconut Authority)
(For reference: https://pca.gov.ph/index.php/10-news/507-pca-ppsa-monde-nissin-explore-strategic-partnership-for-coconut-industry-growth)
