Coconut industry leaders from processing firms and government agencies agreed to craft a targeted Coconut Industry Competitiveness Program (CICP) to bolster the competitiveness of Philippine coconut products in the global market.
The meeting held on July 8, 2025, spearheaded by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), was in line with President Marcos’ order for the agency to start rehabilitating the coconut industry with the planting of 100 million coconut trees by the end of his administration’s term in 2028.
PCA Administrator & CEO Dr. Dexter R. Buted and Assistant Secretary Phillip Young of the Department of Agriculture’s Export Development Office (EDO), led the the high-level stakeholders’ consultation that also gathered representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry’s Export Marketing Bureau, and executives from 15 major industry players including Primex Coco Products, Inc., Franklin Baker Group of Companies, Chemrez Technologies, Inc., Cargill Philippines Oil Mills, Century Pacific Food, Inc., Axelum Resources Corp., Mitsui & Co., Ltd., Virgin Coconut Oil Producers and Traders Association of the Philippines, and United Coconut Association of the Philippines.
The discussion centered on crafting high-impact strategies to address longstanding challenges, such as raw material sustainability and farmers’ welfare, and on exploring opportunities to increase value-adding, meet international standards, and expand market access. The meeting also introduced the newly organized Coconut Committee Board.
PCA presented a detailed research report and outlined current and forthcoming programs, including intensified planting and fertilization initiatives, irrigation and pest control backed by quality audits, and a stronger Food Safety Compliance Program, especially in the copra sector, aligned with EU regulations on MOSH/MOAH. Administrator Buted further highlighted the industry’s successful lobbying for the removal of coconut from the U.S. FDA’s list of major allergens, a move expected to ease market access.
“𝐶𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑘𝑒𝑦. 𝑊𝑒 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑖𝑔ℎ–𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑡 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑟𝑎𝑤 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑢𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡 𝑓𝑎𝑟𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑠’ 𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑠,” PCA chief said, adding that farm-based processing support under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) remains a priority.
Industry leaders expressed support for PCA’s programs but raised additional concerns requiring government intervention. These included logistical challenges in copra production, such as salt shortages in Mindanao, as well as the need for disaster resilience programs to protect farms from climate-related losses. Participants also stressed the importance of continued negotiations with the U.S. to reduce tariff barriers.
In response, major processors pledged to back PCA’s replanting initiatives, assuring international buyers that the Philippines can maintain a stable supply of high-quality coconut products.
Stakeholders agreed to present their recommendations to the Department of Agriculture Secretary and seek support through the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) of the Office of the President. The proposed Coconut Industry Competitiveness Program aims to secure necessary funding and policy backing to implement long-term solutions.
The consultation comes as global demand for coconut products continues to grow, while climate change and international trade regulations present new challenges for producers. A unified strategy is key to protect farmer livelihoods and maintain the country’s dominant market position.
With the coconut industry contributing billions in annual export revenue and supporting millions of livelihoods, this collaboration marks a push ahead in reinforcing the Philippines’ position as a global leader in the sector.
