QUEZON CITY (PIA) — The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is marking its 51st anniversary with a grand three-day event called “NIYOGosyo sa Kadiwa,” taking place from June 25 to 27, 2024, at the PCA Covered Court in Diliman, Quezon City. This celebration emphasizes the crucial role of the coconut industry in the Philippine economy, highlighting its significant contribution of 43 percent, or $3.2 billion, to national exports.
A key highlight of the event is the NIYOGosyo sa Kadiwa Trade Fair, which serves as the centerpiece of the celebration. The fair features 14 suppliers showcasing a diverse range of products, including fresh agricultural produce, rice, and various coconut-derived items.
Coconut products being sold at the 𝐍𝐈𝐘𝐎𝐆𝐨𝐬𝐲𝐨 𝐬𝐚 𝐊𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐖𝐀 at the PCA Covered Court in Diliman, Quezon City, from June 25 to 27, 2024 (PCA Photo)
The trade fair aimed to boost the visibility of local farmers’ produce, promoting agricultural products to the public and employees from nearby government offices.
PCA also underscored their initiatives that were designed to support and uplift local farmers, providing them with a platform to reach a wider market. The fair also offered an opportunity for consumers to directly purchase high-quality, locally-produced goods.
The event also highlighted the substantial economic impact of the coconut industry. Coconut products are a significant export for the Philippines, contributing billions of dollars annually to the economy. The PCA’s efforts aim to further enhance the growth and sustainability of this vital sector.
The anniversary celebration featured various guest speakers who discussed the advancements and challenges in the coconut industry. There were also educational activities aimed at increasing awareness about the benefits and uses of coconut products.
Looking forward, the PCA plans to continue its support for the coconut industry through various programs and initiatives aimed at increasing productivity, improving product quality, and expanding market reach.
Moreover, PCA Administrator Dexter Respicio Buted assured the public that their Massive Coconut Planting and Replanting Project is ongoing nationwide, which is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to the objective of planting 100 million coconut trees by 2028.
“May natanim na tayo, last year ay 2 million (coconut seedlings). For this year, we are targeting 8.4 million” Buted said.
(We have already planted some, last year it was 2 million (coconut seedlings). For this year, we are targeting 8.4 million.)
Most of the said coconut trees will be planted in the Visayas and Mindanao due to soil and climate suitability.
For more information on the PCA’s activities and future events, visit the Philippine Coconut Authority Facebook pages: https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineCoconutAuthority and https://www.facebook.com/phcoconut. (PIA-NCR / AVS)
