Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has raised concern over the continued underutilization of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund, noting that many coconut farmers still earn around P200 a day.
During a Senate hearing, he said billions of pesos intended for the sector remain largely unused despite the fund’s goal of improving farmers’ livelihoods.
He cited reports showing that several implementing agencies, including LandBank and the Department of Agriculture, have utilization rates below 50 percent, with LandBank reportedly at just 1 percent.
The Philippine Coconut Authority also confirmed low farmer incomes, prompting Pangilinan to call for a detailed review of how Republic Act No. 11524 is being implemented.
He stressed the need to ensure that government interventions truly increase both productivity and income, and said the Senate panel will assess whether amendments are needed to improve fund utilization.
Source: PhilNews24 | May 9, 2026
