By Kenneth Marcos 
Amid the growing call to revive the country’s coconut industry, government officials, farmers, and private groups gathered in Quezon City to mark a historic alliance for the Massive Coconut Planting Program (MCPP) — a nationwide effort that aims to plant 100 million coconut trees by 2028.
The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) led the signing of memoranda of agreement (MOA) with local government units (LGUs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), and civil society organizations (CSOs) to strengthen cooperation in boosting coconut production and supporting farming communities.
PCA Administrator and CEO Dr. Dexter R. Buted described the ceremony as a “solemn, binding promise to plant, rehabilitate, and nurture life.” He said the joint effort would restore damaged farms, empower farmers, and sustain livelihoods for future generations.
“When President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. laid down the goal of planting 100 million coconut palms by 2028, he was envisioning revitalized farms, empowered farmers, and a sustainable agricultural economy,” Buted said.
According to the PCA, the MCPP is part of the administration’s broader agricultural revitalization agenda, designed to replace aging coconut trees, expand production areas, and introduce more resilient and high-yielding varieties.
The agency reported that it successfully planted 8.6 million seedlings in 2024, with targets set at 15.3 million in 2025, and 25.4 million seedlings annually from 2026 to 2028. The program will also be supported by hybridization initiatives, improved seed farms, and the development of climate-resilient coconut varieties.
The MCPP will work hand in hand with the Coconut Fertilization Program (CFP) under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), which focuses on helping nutrient-deficient palms and ensuring higher yields and better income for millions of farmers.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr., represented by DA Undersecretary Engr. Roger Navarro, expressed the department’s full support for the initiative. He emphasized that the coconut sector remains one of the country’s strongest pillars in ensuring food security and driving rural economic growth.
Under the new agreements, LGUs and SUCs will take charge of establishing nurseries and providing technical assistance, while DA-accredited CSOs will oversee the handling, transport, and delivery of quality coconut seedlings to designated areas. All parties agreed to ensure transparency, proper fund use, and compliance with agricultural standards.
The signing also included a Pledge of Commitment, symbolizing the unified efforts of government and partner organizations to promote sustainable practices and create lasting progress in the coconut industry.
As the ink dried on the agreements, the event became more than just a ceremonial gathering — it marked a renewed national drive to restore the pride and strength of the coconut sector. Through the Massive Coconut Planting Program, the Philippines takes a firm step toward a Masagana, Maunlad, at Progresibong Bagong Pilipinas, where farmers thrive and the coconut industry flourishes once again.
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