President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday asked Congress to amend the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act to make it more responsive to the needs of coconut farmers.

“Upang lubos na pasiglahin ang industriya ng niyog, hihilingin natin sa Kongreso na amyendahan ang Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act, para naman maging mas angkop sa mga pangangailangan ng ating mga magsasaka,” President Marcos said in his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).

“Bahagi lamang ito ng ginagawa nating malawakang pagpapalakas ng iba’t iba pang mga industriya, kasama dito ang industriya ng asin, pagpoproseso, pag-export ng niyog,” the President added.

Signed into law in February 2021, the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act introduced reforms to the coconut industry aimed at ensuring the efficient utilization of the trust fund in line with the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan.

The development plan aims to benefit coconut farmers and their families, as well as the coconut industry as a whole.

President Marcos also announced that starting this year, around 15 million hybrid coconuts and high-quality coconut seeds will be planted in various parts of the country.

“At itutuloy natin ito hanggang 100 milyong puno na ng niyog ang ating maitatanim sa buong Pilipinas,” the President said.

With the help of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the coconut industry benefits from scientific discoveries through research and innovation conducted by Filipino scientists and inventors.

These include modern techniques such as the use of new varieties, fertilizers, and machinery, as well as strategies like intercropping and off-season techniques. | PND