President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday instructed the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to intensify the implementation of the development plan for industry modernization and to invest in new technologies to ensure the resilience of the coconut sector.

Speaking during the 50th anniversary celebration of the PCA, the President said: “So, the PCA must intensify the implementation of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan to accelerate the modernization of the coconut industry and to improve the lives of our coconut farmers and their families.”

“As we reflect upon the last half-century, we are reminded of the valued history of the PCA, and the challenges that it has withstood to get to where it is today.”

The President also encouraged the agency to continue uplifting the lives of the coconut farmers, empower them to improve their conditions, and free them from poverty so they could dream big for themselves and for their loved ones.

According to Marcos, the agency must also recognize the challenges that lie ahead of the coconut industry—climate change, pests, and diseases remain a significant threat to coconut trees, thus endangering the future of agriculture.

With coconut trees being a source of livelihood for generations, Marcos said it is of great necessity for the country to continue developing and improving coconut byproducts “so that we can find new uses and expand its distribution to new markets.”