PUBLIC RELATIONS

PHILIPPPINE COCONUT AUTHORITY

ABOUT US

The PHILIPPINE COCONUT AUTHORITY is the sole government agency that is tasked
to develop the industry to its full potential in line with the new vision of a united, globally
competitive and efficient coconut industry.

Mandate

"It is hereby directed to be the policy of the State to promote the rapid integrated
development and growth of the coconut and other palm oil industry in all its aspects and
to ensure that the coconut farmers become direct participants in, and beneficiaries of,
such development and growth."

It establishes the legal basis for PCA's sole stewardship and responsibility over the
coconut and other palm oil industries for the benefit of the coconut and oil palm farmers.

(Article 1, Section 2, P.D. 1468 or the Revised Coconut Industry Code)

Vision

A developed and globally competitive coconut and other palm oil industry that contributes
to food security, improved income, and enhanced participation of all stakeholders by
2020.

Mission

The Philippine Coconut Authority shall ensure the development and implementation of
high value programs for the coconut and other palm oil industry carried out in transparent,
responsible, and accountable manner and with utmost degree of professionalism and
effectiveness.
Organizational Core Values

Professionalism, Integrity, Transparency and Excellence.

Functions

 Formulate and promote a strategic and comprehensive development program for

the coconut and other palm oil industry in all its aspects;

 Implement and sustain a nationwide coconut planting and replanting, fertilization

and rehabilitation, and other farm productivity programs;

 Conduct research and extension works on farm productivity and process

development for product quality and diversification;

 Establish quality standards for coconut and palm products and by- products; and,
develop and expand the domestic and foreign markets;

 Enhance the capacities and ensure the socio-economic welfare of coconut and
palm farmers and farm workers.

PCA PROGRAMS

In line with the corporate priorities and in pursuit of the sustainable development of a
globally competitive coconut and other oil palm industry, PCA shall vigorously implement
the following programs and projects in support of PCA's Coconut Industry Development
Roadmap.

KEY AREA : Poverty Reduction and Empowerment of the Poor and Vulnerable
KAANIB ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (KEDP)
The project is designed to promote institutionalize coconut-based enterprise through an
integrated resource service convergence approach to increase farm productivity and
incomes of the small coconut farming communities.

The project shall showcase coconut-based enterprise in organized clusters of coconut

farms in selected areas owned and or operated by the coconut farmers. It also cater the
economic development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSMEs). The project
involves the establishments of coco-based enterprises which may be coconut farmer’s
organization (CFO’s) or cooperative and establishing start-ups or expanding mature
community-based enterprise engaged in coconut processing, inter cropping and livestock
raising. It builds on the capacities of the CFO’s/COOPs to engaged in the agri-business.

The components of KEDP:

1. COCONUT-INTERCROPPING PROJECT (CIP)

involves intercropping of annual biennial and perennial crops such as corn,
banana, pineapple, and fruit bearing trees depending on the geographical location,
land suitability, agro-climatic conditions, market demands and farmer’s This shall
likewise include livestock raising under coconut such as cattle, carabao, and goat.

2. COMMUNITY/HOUSEHOLD-LEVEL COCONUT PROCESSING (CHLP)

aims to promote coconut-based enterprises in the different KAANIB sites for
increased productivity and income/job It also aims to foster the entrepreneurial
skills of the community or household members of the community. Priority livelihood
activities include coir-based processing including coir-based organic fertilizer
production, coco sap sugar production and virgin coconut oil (VCO) production.
This involved the establishment of processing facility and the provision of
machineries and equipment such as decorticating machine, bailing, twining and
looming machines for coir processing; expeller or pressing machine for VCO
production and various equipment for coco sap sugar production.

KEY AREA : RAPID, INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINED ECONOMIC GROWTH

COCONUT FERTILIZATION PROJECT (CFP)

This is a quick turn-around approach to increase coconut production by using Agricultural
Grade Salt (AGS) at 2 kilograms per tree, and combination of AGS at 2 kilograms per tree
and Coir-Based Organic Fertilizer (CBOF) at 4 kilograms. It is widely acceptable by the
coconut farmers as it is cost effective and environment friendly fertilizer. The project
likewise aims to promote wider utilization of the available coco peat in the area to provide
coir-based processor and producers with alternative market for such by product.

KAANIB COCO AGRO-INDUSTRIAL HUB (KCAHP)

Recognizing the importance, constraints and opportunities of the coconut industry, the
KCAHP emerges as a way forward for the coconut farmers to improve their lives. The
project is an attempt to pursue agri-industrial strategy with the end in view of addressing
problems and challenges faced by the coconut farming sector such as lack of
infrastructure, inadequacy of capital, lack of entrepreneurial environment and the absence
of proper policy framework that led to low productivity and income and therefore high
poverty incidence in coconut farming communities. This is as envisioned and articulated
by the PCA in its own strategic plans.

The project intends to establish KAANIB Coconut Agro-Industrial Hub or simply “coco
hub” in different coconut provinces of the country. It is defined as a strategic partnership
and productive alliances between PCA and coconut farmer’s organization or
cooperatives, local government units (LGUs), and social business enterprises among
others.

It is composed of Central Business Unit (CBU) that will act as primary or secondary
processor of coconut products into value added products, integrator, consolidator,
market, as well as source of technology and information; and the “spokes“ which shall
form the base for entrepreneurial business operations of the CBU. Initially, they shall act
as primary processor of coconut products or medium-large scale supplier of raw
materials.

MARKET DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Investment and Trade Promotion. This involves the participation in trade fairs/exhibits
and conduct of missions, market match, industry dialogues to promote coconut products,
both in local and foreign markets.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The Research and Development Branch (RDB) is the agricultural research and
development arm of the Philippine Coconut Authority that manages the research and
development functions of the Authority with the institutionalized support of the three major
strategic research centers located in Albay, Davao and Zamboanga. It is involved on the
enhancement of the major concerns of the industry such as: food security, environmental
protection, sustainable agriculture and environmental management of natural resources,
income enhancement and profitability of farmers; global competitiveness through world
class R&D products and technologies; and stable production and supply.

Seven (7) disciplines:

 1. VARIETAL IMPROVEMENT (VIP).
The program focuses on the improvement of the yield of coconut varieties through
the utilization of heterosis among populations of distant origins; improvement of
the precocity and dwarfness of local populations; screening and breeding varieties
for pest and disease resistance; and widely adaptable Selection and development
of improved varieties for high value products are given priority to increase farm
productivity and profitability. Genomics-based breeding and biotechnology tools
are being utilized for coconut improvement, and genetic conservation and use.

Several Publications: Manual on Controlled Hand Pollination and Assisted

PollinationTechniques, Manual on Standardized Breeding and Research Techniques on
Coconut, Coconut Seed Garden and Field Gene Bank Establishment and Management

2. CROP AGRONOMY, NUTRITION AND FARMING SYSTEMS (CANFARMS).

The program focuses on the generation of the generation of technologies and
information of coconut and other producing palms to raise farm productivity and
income mainly on Mineral Nutrition Management, Integrated Soil Fertility
Management, Sustainable Cropping Systems, Livestock Integration Management,
Environmental Services, Biomass Utilization and Oil Palm Management.

3. BIOTECHNOLOGY(BP).
The program focuses on the application of biotechnology in accelerating coconut
production and utilization through tissue culture, genomics (gene expression)
and DNA Marker technology-assisted crop
improvement, crop protection andbiofuels.

4. FOOD PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT (FPD).

The program focuses on the development of new food uses, improve existing
products, processes and packaging systems geared towards enhancing the health
and nutritional properties of coconut, establish product quality standards for coco-
based products, establish pilot/processing plant to improve/optimize efficiencies,
formulate, develop and evaluate coconut processing technologies and recommend
for piloting and commercialization and provide technical assistance, by way of,
training on coconut processing technologies and technical services and advisories
to different sectors of the coconut food.

5. NON FOOD PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT (NFPD).

The program focuses on the development and utilization of new and high value
non-food products from various parts of coconut palm like Coconut-based Solid
and Liquid Biofuels/Bioenergy, Coconut Husk and Coir Processing and
Machinery Development, Coconut Wood Furniture.
 6. INTEGRATED CROP PROTECTION.
The program focuses on the identification of pests and diseases problems affecting
coconut industry and formulation of practical, sustainable, environment-friendly
and socio-economically acceptable control measures. Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) was institutionalized in coconut based farming system and is
now being practiced and advocated in the control of Rhinoceros Beetle, Coconut
Leaf Beetle, Coconut Scale Insect, Mealybug, Asiatic Palm
Weevil, Slug Caterpillar, Phytophthora Bud, Nut Rots, Cadang Cadang,
Socorro Wilt, Stem Bleeding, Leaf Blight and Spots, Rodents and Hagonoy.

7. LABORATORY.
This units provides laboratory services and technical advisories mainly on Plant
and Soil Analysis, Heavy Metal and Toxic Non Metals Analysis, Chemical Analysis,
Microbiological Analysis and Aflatoxin and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH)
Analysis.

KEY AREA : Integrity of the Environment and Climate Change Mitigation and
Adaptation

ACCELERATED COCONUT PLANTING & REPLANTING (ACPRP)

The project promotes coconut planting in open and suitable areas and replanting of senile
and unproductive coconut trees and those damaged by natural calamities using farmer’s
preferred variety such as tall and dwarf varieties sourced within the locality.

Three (3) components in ACPRP:

1. PARTICIPATORY COCONUT PLANTING PROJECT (PCPP)

involves giving of cash incentives to qualified farmer participants in the amount of
Php 00 for every good seedlings produced, transplanted and stabilized on their
own farms.

2. COCONUT SEEDLINGS DISPERSAL PROJECT (CSDP)

involves the distribution of good quality coconut seedlings to coconut farmers or
group of coconut farmers and partner implementers such as LGUs, IPs, NGOs,
other GAs and other industry.

3. INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S OUTREACH PROGRAM (IPOP)

is designed to encourage the indigenous (IPs) to participate in the coconut
planting and replanting program either through PCPP or CSDP approaches and
schemes depending on their capability and availability of sources of planting.
SMALL HOLDER OIL PALM DEVELOPMENT
The Smallholder Oil Palm Development Project (SOPDP) is designed to promote oil palm
plantation development focusing on smallholders through organized growers or
outgrowers scheme with marketing tie-ups with the oil millers.

MAINTENANCE OF COCONUT SEED FARM / SEED GARDEN

Maintenance of seed gardens are continuously being operated and undertaken in support
of the long-term coconut planting and replanting program of the Philippine Coconut
Authority.

REGULATORY SERVICES

1. R.A. 8048 (COCONUT PRESERVATION ACT OF 1995).

It is the policy of the State to provide for the regulation of the cutting of coconut
trees as well as to promote the growth of the industry by embarking on a
sustainable and efficient replanting program.

 Permit To Cut. No coconut tree or trees shall be cut unless a permit

therefore,upon due application being made, has been issued by the PCA
pursuant to Section 6 of this Act.

 Police Power. The PCA shall be vested with the authority to exercise
duly delegated police powers for the proper performance of its functions and
duties.

2. Quality standard for high-value coconut products and by-products for export and
referential

3. Registration of coconut products/by products traders/dealers and manufacturers

YOLANDA REHABILITATION AND RECOVERY PROGRAM (YRRP)

As an immediate response to this crisis, Philippine Coconut Authority implemented YRRP
in the provinces affected by Typhoon Yolanda in Region 6 (Western Visayas), Region 7
(Central Visayas) and Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) to recover the coconut farmer’s
livelihoods back fast.

Four (4) components:

COCONUT PLANTING/REPLANTING.
This involves the replacement of all coconut trees rendered crown-less and fallen by the
typhoon thru proactive funding and sourcing from research center and accredited
suppliers. A new planting scheme- “tatluhan” or three (3) seedlings per hill scheme is
introduced which is proven to be typhoon resilient and higher in productivity per unit area.
Participant of this project were allocated a cash incentive of P30 per seedling planted.
The allowable landholding area by individual participants is from 0.5 to 5 hectares only.

COCONUT INTERCROPPING.
The activity involves the planting of short gestation and annual crops in unutilized spaces
in between coconut trees. This aimed to ensure food security and hunger mitigation
during the aftermath of typhoon Yolanda and provide livelihood and income generation
for the coconut farmers.

COCONUT FERTILIZATION.
This involves the rehabilitation of slightly, moderately and severely damaged coconut
trees thru the application of Inorganic Multi-Nutrient Fertilizer to immediately regain vigor.
Free fertilizer were distributed and applied and cash for work incentive of P25 for every
tree fertilized were given to qualified participants.

DEBRIS MANAGEMENT AND INTEGRATED RHINO-BEETLE CONTROL. This

involves cutting of coconut trees into lumber for housing/shelters purposes. It is a proper
disposal to clear the land for replanting, fertilization and intercropping. This will also
prevent pest infestation.

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT

It is the concern of Philippine Coconut Authority to control or at least contain damage to
coconut brought about by insects pests in different regions of the country. As part of the
treatment protocol against Coconut Scale Insects and other pests and diseases, activities
like trunk injection, leaf pruning and massive production of biocontrol agents are being
undertaken. Biocontrol laboratory are established to increase the production of both
predators and parasitoids required to control and prevent CSI.

HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE COCONUT AUTHORITY

The Philippine Coconut Authority was created pursuant to Presidential Decree 232 on
June 30, 1973. It absorbed and assumed the powers and functions of the then Coconut
Coordinating Council (CCC), the Philippine Coconut Administration (PHILCOA) and the
Philippine Coconut Research Institute (PHILCORIN).

Today, it is the sole government agency that is tasked to develop the industry to its full
potential in line with the new vision of a united, globally competitive and efficient coconut
industry.

PCA THROUGH THE YEARS

1940. National Coconut Corporation (NACOCO) was created to promote the growth and
development of the coconut industry.
1954. NACOCO became the Philippine Coconut Administration (PHILCOA) with the
same function and responsibilities. Ten years later, it expanded its scope of operations
and renamed as Philippine Coconut Research Institute (PHILCORIN) an agency created
to monitor, evaluate and conduct researches on the coconut.

1971. At the height of the Period of Expansion, the Coconut Coordinating Council (CCC)
was created in lieu of PHILCORIN and was tasked to supervise, coordinate and evaluate
the implementation of the coconut self-sufficiency program of the government.

1973. Agencies lacked singleness in its purpose and the framework upon which they
operated did not revolve around the total development of the coconut industry where
coconut farmers stood at the focal point. In view of this, Government deemed it necessary
to create an agency that would address that situation, thus, the Philippine Coconut
Authority was created in June 30, 1973 by virtue of P.D. No. 232. It absorbed and
assumed the powers and functions, including the personnel and assets of the then
defunct CCC, PHILCOA, and the PHILCORIN.

1976. Philippine Coconut Authority became an independent public corporation on July

14, 1976 pursuant to P.D. No. 961, reporting directly and supervised solely by the Office
of the President. This Decree was the first codification of the laws dealing with the
development of the coconut and other palm oil industry.

1978. The Code was later revised on June 11, 1978 by P.D. No. 1468 ("Revised Coconut
Industry Code") which eventually became the charter of PCA as a public corporation.

1987. On January 30, 1987, pursuant to Executive Order No. 116, the Philippine Coconut
Authority was officially declared as an attached Agency of the Department of Agriculture
(DA). The declaration of transfer to DA from the Office of the President was enacted to
provide overall coordination and monitoring of policies and programs of various sectors
in agriculture. The attachment was confirmed and incorporated in the Administrative Code
of 1987.

2014. By virtue of Executive Order No. 165 issued on May 15, 2014, the Philippine
Coconut Authority, National Food Authority, National Irrigation Administration, and
Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority were transferred from the Department of Agriculture to
the Office of the President. The declaration of transfer of these agencies to the Office of
the President was enacted to enhance and coordinate the efforts of the PCA, NFA, NIA
and FPA in fulfilling their respective mandates.

2016. On June 30, 2016, pursuant to Executive Order No. 01, the Philippine Coconut
Authority was one of the 12 agencies placed under the supervision of the Office of the
Cabinet Secretary. The declaration of supervision of the agency was enacted to develop
and evaluate poverty reduction programs to reduce both the incidence and magnitude of
poverty.

Organizational Structure

Human Resource Complement

While the Authority has a total staff complement of 826 only 567 (as of June 2016)
personnel are currently employed providing services down to the municipal level. 90% of
the workforce are technical, extension and research specialists.

Regional Offices & Research Centers

The physical infrastructure of the Authority are strategically located in 12 coconut regions,
69 provinces and 1,419 municipalities.

Infrastructures include three (3) Research Centers in Albay, Davao and Zamboanga, and
Extension Training Center in Davao.

Five (5) Makapuno Satellite Laboratories in Pangasinan, Albay, Tacloban, Zamboanga

and Davao with two (2) National Seed Production Centers in Carmen Cotobato and Ubay,
Bohol.

The coconut industry is a resilient one, full of potential but has manyweaknesses. While
it hosts many opportunities, it also faces many threats.These are considerations in
formulating policy directions for the industry.

Coconut Industry: SWOT Analysis

Inputs

Availability of good clones. Only 1% of the areas are plantedwith good clones

No irrigation system in coconut areas

Farm Production

Favorable climate in most areas

Senile trees (30% of stands). Availability of technologies

Only 1% of the farms apply fertilizers

Plantings in marginal lands6. Intercropping in only 30% of the land

Logistics

Established marketing system

Export facilities

High assembly costs due to poorroads and fragmented, small holdings

Multi-layered marketing channels

Milling

Presence of many mills

Underutilized mills

Presence of refiners

Underutilized refineries

Shortage of raw materials

High assembly costs

Low quality copra

Other Value Adding

Many product possibilities

Cost of raw materials

Institutions

Multi-stakeholders

Frequent changes in PCA leadership

Lack of program support; too dependent on coco levy resolution

OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
1. Stable and growing export and domestic markets. Poor global image in supply
reliability

2. Good prospects for value added products (VCO, geotextiles, etc.)2. Perception
of government inaction

3. Alternative fuel (coconut methyl ester- biodiesel) demand3. Competition from other
tropical oils(i.e. palm oil and palm kernel oil)4. Low domestic oil consumption

4. Development of rapeseed and cuphea with high lauric content

PROBLEMS AND ISSUES

There are several issues that confront the coconut industry. These include: the lack of
top level commitment which has led to a lack of a serious development program for the
industry; the severe shortage of long-term financing for perennial crops; resource
allocation criteria, which is biased toward rice; institutional issues with the PCA
implementing mostly under-funded, short duration programs; implementation problems
with limited involvement, if at all, of LGUs, the private sector, the civil society, and the
academe; lack of civil society engagement especially in analyzing the whole gamut of
problems besetting the sector; global market access such as the campaign of overseas
soybean interests against NO in the US food usage as well as labeling and wrong
attribution of the negative impact on all saturated fats, including medium chain
triglycerides from coconut oil; and CARP and other laws which have discouraged private
investments following provisions on retention limits as well as transferability

Different farmers’ groups, scientists and toxicologist expressed alarm over the
government’s “toxic” response to the outbreak of the coconut scale insect, commonly
known as cocolisap. They said that while it is the quickest way to combat the outbreak, it
will also kill the main source of livelihood of coconut farmers.

 Alarming reports showed that a virulent infestation has wiped out most, if not all, of the
coconuts in Tanauan, Batangas. This disease has rendered up to 1,500,000 trees in the
CALABARZON area unproductive and is beginning to affect other crops and fruits in the
area. It is also spreading to other parts of the Philippine archipelago with sightings
reported in MIMAROPA, North Luzon, Cebu, Samar and as far south as Basilan.

CURRENT TRENDS
Albay to ban plastic, smoking, coco tree cutting

LEGAZPI CITY—The province of Albay is set on implementing three major pro-

environment and pro-health measures in an effort to curb pollution and secure a more
productive future for its residents.

Two of these measures—the ordinance that bans the use of plastic and a directive against
cutting of coconut trees—were now both set to be enforced while the smoking ban in
public places was still being deliberated by the provincial board.

Starting June 1, Albay will ban the use of plastic bags and styrofoams by all business
establishments, sari-sari stores, public markets, neighborhoods and up to the big malls.

The ordinance, which was signed by Governor Joey Salceda on February 24, provided
for fines ranging from P1,000 to P5,000 for business establishments found violating the
measure and cancellation of business permits for repeat offenders.

Local executives in the province’s 15 towns and three cities have promised to enforce the
plastic ban and urged residents to be ready with reusable bags for their shopping or
marketing needs.City Mayor Geraldine Rosal said the ban on plastic bags would be one
of the province’s major contributions to solve environmental problems.

On February 24, provincial officials also met with enforcement agencies and owners of
commercial establishments in preparation for the ordinance’s implementation in
June.Albay Board Member Arnold Embestro, chairman of the committee on environment
of the provincial board, said some commercial establishments here have stopped using
plastic bags starting March 1.

The ban on the cutting of coconut trees in Albay was imposed by Agriculture Secretary
Proceso Alcala effective Jan. 30, 2012, based on a representation made by
Salceda.According to the statistics of the Philippine Coconut Authority in Bicol, the
coconut industry in the region supports at least 2.1 million coconut farmers and their
dependents.Albay ranks fifth with an average yearly coconut production of 38,593 metric
tons harvested from 40,180 hectares, while Catanduanes turned out 13,807 MT from
14,375 ha.

Camarines Sur had the highest volume of copra in 2010 with 93,833 MT harvested from
119,045 ha, followed by Sorsogon (97,738 MT from 97,692 ha), Masbate (87,478 MT
from 91,076 ha) and Camarines Norte (82,002 MT from 85,375 ha).
The smoking ban, while already enforced in Legazpi City, was still being deliberated by
the provincial board’s committee on health.The smoking ban was launched in February
last year yet by the Smoke-Free Albay Network, a body created by Salceda, but “the
persistent attempt of the tobacco industry in the policy-making process is impairing the
smooth passage of the proposed ordinance,” claimed Rose Olarte Orbita, head of Add-
Vantage, a nongovernment organization (NGO) partner of the province in pushing for a
smoke-free Albay.

REFERENCES

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/156127/albay-to-ban-plastic-smoking-coco-tree-cutting

https://www.scribd.com/doc/4938753/The-Philippine-Coconut-Industry-Performance-
Issues

http://bulatlat.com/main/2014/07/25/govt-solution-to-cocolisap-could-be-deadly-to-
coconut-industry-environment/Recommendations

https://beta.philstar.com/opinion/2013/06/17/954845/clear-and-present-danger-
philippine-coconut-industry