The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) CALABARZON gathered media partners, coconut farmers, and exhibitors for its Coco Fiesta Media Hour: Huntahan sa Pagniniyugan held at SM City Trece Martires.
The Coco Fiesta 2025 showcased a series of major government initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s coconut industry.
The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) unveiled its ambitious plan to plant 100 million coconut trees nationwide to help the Philippines reclaim its position as the world’s leading coconut producer. This replanting drive will replace old, unproductive trees and boost farmers’ yields and income.
Under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), the government also rolled out free medical and dental services for coconut farmers through mobile clinics and partner health teams, ensuring they receive regular and accessible care.
Youth engagement took center stage as DA–ATI and PCA introduced expanded opportunities through scholarships, internships, and the upcoming “Cocobataan” program, which will train young Filipinos in modern coconut farming and agribusiness.
PCA further pushed for the creation of Young Coconut Farmers Associations to empower youth leaders and strengthen community involvement in the coconut value chain.
To protect farms, PCA and DA–ATI strengthened rapid-response protocols against coconut pests, including improved surveillance, biological controls, and emergency deployment teams to quickly contain outbreaks.
Officials also emphasized that existing national laws continue to protect agricultural lands from conversion, preserving them for long-term food production and the stability of the coconut sector.
