DBM releases P1.38B to boost coco yield

To increase coconut production as well as support the farmers, the government has released another P1.38 billion to the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA).

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) yesterday said that the latest release to PCA would boost the latter’s operating requirements and fund projects rolled out in the second half of 2014. This release was sourced from the 2014 national budget.

Part of the P1.38 billion would be spent on PCA’s procurement activities, the DBM said.

Specifically, P466 million will be initially poured into PCA to cover operating expenses and some programs that are ready to be implemented, including the payment of incentives to coconut farmers under the Participatory Coconut Planting Program, distribution of organic fertilizers under the Coconut Fertilization Program, as well as capacity-building activities among farmers under the Intercropping Program.

Also, part of the fund will be channeled to the Accelerated Coconut Planting/Replanting and Kaanib Enterprise Development projects.

“Coconut production is an important agribusiness industry in our country. Not only does it contribute to the growth of our economy, it also generates a large number of jobs and income for our farmers. Through their efforts and their programs, the PCA is helping create a resilient and sustainable future for both the farmers and the industry,” Budget Secretary Florencio B. Abad said in a statement.

The fund will also support initiatives aimed at addressing the coconut scale insect (CSI) infestation that had affected about 1.2 million coconut trees.

Last June, PCA received P400 million to combat CSI infestation under the Scale Insect Emergency Action Program.

The pest Aspidiotus rigidus had seriously damaged trees in the provinces of Basilan, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna and Quezon, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency over these areas.

“With the right measures and funding, the PCA has been able to address an agricultural crisis like the coconut insect infestation. This is a good example of how our agencies’ capacity to deal with major issues has been ably supported by the national government,” Abad said. Ben O. de Vera