By Kenneth Marcos 
Inside a hall filled with unity and optimism, government workers and leaders from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) came together to mark a new chapter in public service—one grounded in fairness, cooperation, and shared goals.
On October 21, the PCA and its employee union, the PCA Employees Association (PCAEA), formally signed the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) for 2025–2028 at the PCA Central Office in Quezon City. This agreement strengthens labor-management relations and reaffirms the agency’s commitment to both its workforce and the millions of Filipino coconut farmers it serves.
Agreement promotes better work conditions
The CNA, officially registered with the Civil Service Commission (CSC), lays out agreed terms that go beyond what the law requires. These include improvements in work schedules, health and safety programs, training opportunities, and other welfare benefits.
It also introduces the CNA Incentive—a performance-based bonus funded through cost-saving measures jointly implemented by both the management and employees.
CSC Director Claudia A. Tan led the registration of the agreement. Present during the awarding were PCA Administrator and CEO Dr. Dexter R. Buted, PCAEA Vice President Marjorie Atienza, and union officials who received the registration certificate.
Dr. Buted emphasized that the CNA is more than just a legal document—it’s a symbol of unity.
“This awarding of the CNA registration is a legally binding covenant that formalizes our shared responsibility. It represents the unity of management and employees in providing wholehearted service to our coconut farmers and the Filipino people,” said Buted.
Stronger voices, better service
Under the agreement, PCA workers gain a clearer platform to participate in discussions about their workplace conditions. This promotes transparency and strengthens trust between staff and management.
At the same time, the agency hopes this collaborative approach will lead to better operational performance, resulting in more responsive programs for coconut farmers—especially in far-flung rural areas where government help is most needed.
The CNA is part of PCA’s broader efforts to deliver on the goals of “Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas,” the national agenda for food security, rural development, and efficient public service.
Supporting the coconut industry through empowered workers
The PCA plays a vital role in the coconut industry, which supports over 3.5 million farmers across the Philippines. With this CNA in place, the agency hopes to become an even stronger support system for these farmers by empowering its own workforce first.
The agreement, valid from 2025 to 2028, serves as a model for effective public sector labor-management cooperation—one that balances the rights of workers with the needs of the people they serve.
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