Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 29) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Thursday his administration would ramp up efforts to make the Philippines the “biggest” coconut producer.
“This administration has started formulating plans on how to redevelop our coconut industry, how to help our coconut farmers,” he said in his speech at the 50th Founding Anniversary celebration of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) in Pasay City.
Marcos said he would sit down and finalize the plans with Sen. Cynthia Villar, who heads the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food.
Considered a major exporter of coconut oil, Marcos said he sees opportunities to make the sector one of the industries driving the local economy.
The president also wants the industry to continue developing and improving coconut products to penetrate new markets.
“There is no reason why the Philippines should not be the biggest producer of exports in terms of coconut products,” he said.
“The PCA must intensify the implementation of the coconut farmers and industry development plan to accelerate the modernization of the coconut industry,” Marcos added.
He said some of the challenges facing the coconut industry that stakeholders must attend to include climate change, as well as pests and diseases.
Source: CNN Philippines | June 29, 2023 | 1:49:41 PM
