Cebu Registers Over 42,000 Coconut Farmers

The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) reported that the province of Cebu has over 42,000 registered coconut farmers.  Johndom Domagtoy, the Provincial Coconut Development Manager (PCDM), reported that the province of Cebu currently cultivates approximately 161,000 hectares of land for coconut farming with over 156,000 farms actively producing coconuts.  He expressed optimism that the number of registered farmers would increase once online registration resumes this year, following a temporary suspension for system cleansing.

Among the key initiatives driving growth is the Coconut Hybridization Program (CHP), which supports the national goal of planting 100 million coconut trees across the country by 2028.  To contribute to this initiative, the PCA Cebu Provincial Office is establishing two coconut seed farms in the province.  One, is a 30-hectare seed farm located at Cebu Technological University-Barili Campus which is being funded under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).  The other, is an 18-hectare seed farm in Don Gregorio Antigua, Borbon which is financed through the General Appropriations Act (GAA).
 
In addition to the seed farms, the PCA Cebu has set up communal hybrid nurseries in Cabangkalan, Tuburan; Labangon, Tabogon; and El Pardo, Boljoon, which will serve as holding areas for hybrid nuts produced from the seed farms, ensuring they receive proper care and fertilizers before distribution to farmers. Domagtoy urges all coconut farmers to register with the National Coconut Farmers Registry System (NCFRS) to access various government programs and benefits that can enhance their farming practices.