By Leonardo V. Micua
LINGAYEN,Pangasinan, (PNA)–The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) has assured that it would help in the massive planting of coconuts in Pangasinan in order to make it as one of the top coconut producing provinces in the country in a few years.
The assuance was made jointly by PCA Regional Manager III Domingo Frugal and Provincial Manager Eleazar Parihinog who said their agency has set aside P8 million to be used in alleviating the coconut industry in the province in 2014.
This was after provincial officials admitted that despite its potential, the coconut industry in Pangasinan is still weak, pointing out that the province has been top three in rice and corn production nationwide but is under-performing in coconut.
Currently, the Visayan region is the top coconut-producing area, followed by Mindanao region while Northern Luzon comprising Region I, II, III and CAR have been at the bottom of the list.
A report from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) showed that Pangasinan has a total of 1.1 million coconut trees planted in 11,200 hectares of farmland.
Of this, 56 percent or about 600,000 are bearing fruits while 44 percent or 480,000 coconut trees are considered non-bearing.
OPAG chief Dalisay Moya said the limited supply of coconut in Pangasinan has been confronted with problems like indiscriminate cutting of trees and infestation.
Noting these problems, Frugal said his office is more than willing to help Pangasinan to become a coconut-self sufficient province in 2016.
“We will develop Northern Luzon as a corridor of the coconut industry,” Frugal said.
He, however said that massive coconut planting in Pangasinan must also be encouraged among local farmers who prefer to plant rice and corn in their farmland rather than coconut.
“We have to convince them that planting coconut trees is also a good investment considering that Pangasinan has the highest farm gate price at P25 pesos per coco fruit compared to other provinces.
The PCA, according to Frugal, would also introduce innovative programs in Pangasinan to improve its coconut industry, aside from the P8 million budget to be given to the province in 2014.
The programs include the Accelerated Coconut Planting Program, Salt Fertilization Project, Coconut Intercropping Project and Participatory Coconut Planting Project.
In Participatory Coconut Planting Project, Frugal said the PCA would give P40 as incentive to farmers per coconut tree planted while in Intercropping Project, the farmers are encouraged to plant crops under coconut trees for an additional income.
Under the Salt Fertilization Program, the PCA will distribute fertilizer to coco farmers for their nutrient-deficient coconut trees.
Frugal said the agency would likewise involve the LGUs, studentry as well as the indigenous group in the coconut planting program wherein every seedling produced and planted will have corresponding incentives.
“We are open to signing an memorandum of agreement with those who are interested in coconut planting,” he added.
Corollary to this, Pangasinan urged the establishment of a research and laboratory center and a provincial nursery for coco seeds and coco plants to ensure that there will be sufficient stock whenever massive distribution is needed.
Frugal said his agency will strictly implement Republic Act 10593, a law that prohibits the cutting of coconut trees unless the PCA granted permit to cut senile trees.
“Considered a “tree of life,” the coconut tree has multiple uses from roots to leaves. With these benefits, the Philippines is known as the world’s second top coconut exporter with P.6B earnings annually and this contributes to our economy.” Frugal said.