Marcos Endorses Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan
President Marcos has officially approved the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan until 2028. This vital strategy aims to uplift Filipino coconut farmers by boosting productivity, increasing income, and modernizing the coconut industry nationwide.
The Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan 2024-2028, signed under Memorandum Circular No. 84 dated May 21, outlines targeted interventions for the sector. Key goals include poverty alleviation, strengthening farmer organizations, and enhancing infrastructure support. These efforts collectively seek to improve the socio-economic conditions of coconut farmers across the country.
Strategic Focus and Implementation of the Plan
The Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan 2024-2028 is a revised and enhanced version of the earlier 2022-2026 plan. It was carefully updated following extensive consultations involving stakeholders, government agencies, and farmer groups to ensure a comprehensive and effective approach.
The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) leads the implementation of this plan as the primary agency responsible for advancing the coconut industry. All government departments, agencies, state universities and colleges, government-owned corporations, and financial institutions are mandated to support the plan’s programs and projects. Local government units are also encouraged to actively participate.
Funding and Legislative Backing
Funding for the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan will come from the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund, as provided under Republic Act No. 11524, along with existing budgets of involved government bodies. This financial support ensures the sustainable execution of development initiatives.
Enhancing Coordination and Program Delivery
The revised plan restructures the original six national development programs into seven components. Notably, training programs for coconut farmers and their families have been separated from social protection programs. This change highlights training as a fundamental element necessary to achieve the plan’s broader goals.
According to sources, the revisions aim to improve coordination among implementing agencies and optimize key strategies for efficient program delivery. The plan emphasizes research and development, farm productivity, and value chain enhancement to revitalize the coconut industry.
“These revisions aim to enhance the coordination among implementing agencies and optimize key strategies for program delivery, in alignment with the objectives and intent of RA NO. 11524,” the plan states.
The development of the plan involved multiple forums, coordination meetings, and public consultations with farmer leaders to ensure that the programs address real needs on the ground.
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