The National Sectoral Committee on Coconut (NSC on Coconut) pushed for a resolution requesting that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) grant the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) full access to the special account within the general fund dedicated to trade and market compliance.
The request was raised during the Committee鈥檚 second-quarter meeting, held via video conference on May 28, 2026.
During the meeting, the private sector-partners highlighted that full access aims to ensure Philippine coconut products remain competitive and compliant with increasingly strict global standards.
Enacted in 2021, Republic Act (RA) No. 11524 established the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund as a sustainable, 50-year program designed to modernize the sector and uplift marginalized farmers. The Law authorizes the utilization of coco levy funds through the conversion of recovered assets, creating a dedicated financial resource that operates independently from the PCA鈥檚 regular budget appropriations.
This specialized fund allows the PCA to focus specifically on trade promotion and market expansion as part of a broader industry development strategy.
The Committee also raised technical inquiries regarding the efficiency of the salt fertilization program, noting that the allocated PhP153 million covers only a limited number of trees.
Furthermore, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Legislative Liaison Office provided updates on House Bills concerning coconut oil mills and value-adding facilities, as well as information dissemination efforts regarding the Biofuels Act and related policies.
Aside from PCA, the DA鈥檚 Agricultural Training Institute and the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization shared their respective plans to strengthen technical support, training programs, and infrastructure for coconut farmers and cooperatives.
Regional sectoral representatives from the Agricultural and Fishery Councils (AFCs) shared industry-related concerns, some of which were addressed during the session.
The NSC reported promising developments in foreign aid, citing active funding support from two international governments. To capitalize on these opportunities, the Committee moved to:
- Draft a Resolution: Requesting the DBM to allow the PCA full access to the special account for trade and market expansion.
- Enhance Market Compliance: Strengthening the industry鈥檚 ability to meet international regulations and boosting market promotion.
Beyond budgetary matters, the Committee reviewed the implementation of national tree-planting policies. PCA proposed raising the mandatory planting age under RA No. 10176 or the Arbor Day Act from 12 to 18 years old to ensure the mandate is more practical and age-appropriate for adult citizens.
With this in mind, the Committee motioned to support the declaration of Coconut as a “National Industrial Crop,” elevating its status in national economic planning. By addressing both financial resources and legislative frameworks, the NSC on Coconut aims to secure the “Tree of Life” for future generations while ensuring the country’s reforestation goals remain practical and age-appropriate.
The agreements reached during this session will be elevated to the 黑料网 for endorsement to the Secretary of Agriculture. | Jezebel Campaniel
