The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) CALABARZON together with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Region IV-A convened in a coordination meeting last February 11 in Lucena City, Quezon to explore collaborative initiatives aimed at strengthening support for local farmers, particularly in island municipalities.
The discussion focused on aligning short-term interventions with long-term, sustainable development goals. Report Officer John Carlo P. Narvacan presented DA-SAAD CALABARZON’s plan to provide immediate assistance to island municipalities such as Tingloy and Alabat. Proposed initiatives include the provision of basic tools and equipment to enhance local enterprises, especially those linked to coconut-based livelihoods.
Participants also discussed the possibility of organizing a medical mission caravan in Tingloy, Batangas, as part of a broader effort to promote the overall well-being of island communities.
In addition, both agencies explored strategies for identifying suitable land for expanded coconut planting to strengthen local production capacity. They emphasized the importance of conducting on-site visits to better understand local conditions and ensure that interventions are responsive to the actual needs of farmers. As part of its long-term strategy, PCA expressed its intent to significantly increase coconut planting in Tingloy within the next two years, a move expected to promote more resilient livelihoods and sustained agricultural growth.
Coconut pest management concerns were also raised, including issues involving monkeys affecting crops. PCA representatives reiterated their commitment to pursuing humane and sustainable solutions that protect both agricultural productivity and wildlife.
The meeting was attended by PCA Region IV-A officials led by Regional Manager III Bibiano C. Concibido Jr., along with Project Development Officer IV Marietta C. Perez and Agriculturist II Moises T. De Mesa. The discussion was facilitated by Alternate SAAD Focal Girsky V. Anda and DA-SAAD personnel, resulting in a productive exchange of plans and collaborative strategies.
Through strengthened coordination and shared commitment, DA-SAAD CALABARZON and PCA Region IV-A aim to transform immediate interventions into lasting, sustainable impact for island farming communities. ###
