Photo from Presidential Communications Office
MANILA, Philippines — President Bongbong Marcos has suggested that the government invest in technologies and projects to support the beleaguered coconut industry.
Speaking at the 50th Anniversary of the Philippine Coconut Authority, the President said that the government must tackle the effects of climate change, pests, and diseases.
“Let us double our efforts to tackle these issues and invest in technologies and initiatives that will not only safeguard but also ensure the resilience of the coconut sector of our agriculture. So, the PCA must intensify the implementation of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan to accelerate the modernization of the coconut industry and to improve the lives of our coconut farmers and their families,” said Marcos during his speech.
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The President urged the PCA to continue efforts to strengthen the well-being of farmers, stressing that the government should wholeheartedly invest in reviving the coconut sector.
Marcos serves as concurrent chief of the Department of Agriculture, which the PCA is attached to. The PCA was also founded during the time of Marcos’ father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
The President also led a tree-planting ceremony at the Coconut Palace, where he planted a coconut tree.
Sen. Cynthia Villar and DA Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban also attended the celebration.