Senator Villar Vows to Protect the Coconut Sector

Assuring restive coconut industry stakeholders of its long-term sustainability, Senator Cynthia Villar cited continuing efforts to “keep improving, protecting and expanding the coconut industry without letup.”  Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, assured stakeholders that the panel is closely assessing the situation to promptly craft remedial legislation, if needed.

Addressing delegates at the opening ceremonies of the 3rd World Coconut Congress held on August 30-September 01, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila with the theme “Sustain the Source,” the senator said she pursued the passage of Republic Act 11524 or “The Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act” which was enacted into law in 2021, as it was in line with her advocacy to lift the coconut industry.  The law, among others, mandated a Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) that will “set the directions and policies for the development and rehabilitation of the coconut industry within 50 years.” 

Despite a continued boom of exports, she said the coconut industry still confronts challenges.  She cited, among others, the identified problems on the vulnerability of the product to world price fluctuations, low farm productivity, recurring infestation, and the effects of climate change.  She exhorted all stakeholders to work together to tackle the issues and make initiatives to safeguard the coconut industry.