The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) aimed at enhancing the livelihood of indigenous coconut farmers. The collaboration will focus on improving the socio-economic conditions of indigenous cultural communities (ICCs) and indigenous peoples (IPs) involved in coconut farming.
The partnership will provide support through programs such as coconut planting and replanting nationwide. Key aspects of the MOA include assisting in identifying ancestral lands with coconut plantations, registering IP coconut farmers, and promoting their participation in various agricultural programs.
PCA administrator Dr. Dexter Buted emphasized the agreement’s significance in addressing challenges faced by IP coconut farmers and ensuring their inclusion in national progress. NCIP chairperson Jennifer Pia Sibug-Las described the partnership as a step towards sustainable development for indigenous communities.
In addition to the PCA-NCIP agreement, NCIP also signed a separate MOA with the Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI) and exploring a potential tripartite collaboration to create more comprehensive development programs.
The Philippines produced nearly 14.9 million metric tons of husked coconut in 2023, and efforts are underway to plant 100 million more coconut trees by the end of the Marcos administration, with the goal of regaining the Philippines’ status as the world’s top coconut exporter.
