The Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), renewed its commitment to the Filipino coconut farmers to improve their lives and help transform the coconut industry towards sustainability during the celebration of the 38th National Coconut Week.

In a message read by Agriculture Undersecretary for Operations Roger V. Navarro, Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said the celebration highlights the role of coconut farmers in building a prosperous, better, and sustainable coconut industry.

“The coconut is more than just a symbol of our rich agricultural heritage. It is a powerhouse of Philippine agriculture. At present, we export more than 50% products and earned more than one billion or a billion dollars annually from crude coconut oil alone,” Sec. Tiu Laurel said.

“Today, we highlight the collaboration and partnership among the public and private sector of the coconut industry. We are committed to work together to strengthen every facet of the coconut value chain—from research and development to market access and farmer empowerment—we need to work more sustainably,” he added.

The agriculture chief also stressed the need to maximize opportunities to uplift the lives of coconut farmers, drive economic growth, and achieve our goal of a prosperous and progressive nation.

As a highlight of the event, the DA-PCA unveiled a symbolic cooking pot to signify the launch of the Coconut Culinary Show. There will also be a mini coconut bazaar throughout the week.

The DA-PCA will conduct simultaneous coconut planting activities at all its stations and offices nationwide on August 28.

This year’s National Coconut Week, themed “Paghubog sa Pilipinong Magniniyog: Daan sa Pag-Angat ng Ekonomiya at Maunlad na Bagong Pilipinas”, is an annual event, which gives tribute and recognition for all the blessings and benefits derived from the coconut industry. It seeks to establish continuing awareness of its lasting importance to our society. ### (Kristel Merle, DA-AFID)