PCA XI turns over 13k coconut seed nuts to DdO province

The Provincial Government of Davao de Oro, led by Governor Dorothy P. Montejo-Gonzaga, officially received the provision of 13,000 hybrid coconut seed nuts from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) XI.

The turnover ceremony is held at the Provincial Capitol Grounds during the Regular Monday Convocation today (December 4, 2023).

This event is anchored on PCA’s Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), thereby enhancing production and promoting hybrid coconut to farmers as it is resilient to water stress, diseases, and pests.

Governor Gonzaga, through the Provincial Agriculturist Office (PAGRO), and the Office of Congressman Ruwel Peter Gonzaga expressed heartfelt gratitude as the authority granted their request, which will surely benefit the coconut farmers of the province.

Among the attendees of the ceremony were Acting Provincial Administrator Lewis Jake Caiman, PAGRO Head Jaime Anter, personnel from PCA XI, AFP, Federation of Coconut Farmers from 11 municipalities, Barangay Anitapan Livelihood Farmers Association (BALFA), Nabunturan Farmer Multipurpose Cooperative (NAFAMCO) and others.

On May 22, 2023, PLGU Davao de Oro and PCA XI signed a 25-year agreement through a MOA, establishing a 5.0-hectare coconut seed farm and communal nursery inside Davao de Oro Farm, Brgy. Pasian in Monkayo town.

According to PAGRO, Davao Region is the top coconut producer in the country, as reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) for the first quarter of 2023. At the same time, Davao de Oro ranked 3rd in the region on the number of bearing coconuts, with more than 3.2 million hills (age 3–60 years) based on PCA’s Coconut Statistics of 2021.

Thus, the mentioned efforts represent key government initiatives aimed at supporting the long-term sustainability of the coconut planting and replanting program while also preventing the shortage of coconut seedlings in the province. (Jaynus Fernandez, Photo by R. Naval, Jr)