Though the Philippines remains the world’s top coconut exporter, it now ranks second in overall coconut production, behind Indonesia.
To close the gap and regain the top spot, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)—whose policymaking board is chaired by Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr.—announced the planting of 50 million coconut trees in 2026, doubling its original goal of 25 million.
“The initial target for next year was 25 million trees, but on the orders of President Marcos, we are doubling our efforts,” Tiu Laurel said in a statement.
“Our new goal for 2026 is to plant 50 million new coconut trees. The president has allocated additional funds for this, and we will involve coconut farming communities to fast-track the production of planting materials.”
Productivity challenges
The ramped-up effort forms part of a five-year strategy launched in 2023 to plant a total of 100 million coconut trees by 2028. In 2024, 8.5 million trees were planted, with another 15 million expected by year’s end.
The PCA is also tackling productivity challenges among the country’s 340 million existing coconut trees, many of which are decades old and classified as “senile.” These aging trees yield just 40 coconuts per year—a third of their optimal capacity.
To address this, the government has earmarked ₱1.8 billion for a national fertilization program in 2025, aimed at boosting productivity while the new trees mature.
Raising yield per hectare
“The goal is to raise yields to at least 60 coconuts per tree annually through fertilization with agricultural grade salt (AGSF),” Tiu Laurel said.
Funds will also be used to procure AGSF from local producers, in line with a newly enacted law to revitalize the Philippine salt industry. Intercropping initiatives—where coconut farmers are given corn and coffee planting materials—are also part of the strategy to diversify income and reduce vulnerability to single-crop shocks.
The replanting drive comes as global demand for coconut oil continues to surge, partly due to the European Union's decision to classify palm oil as environmentally unsustainable due to indirect land-use changes.
Counting on the EU market
The EU plans to phase out palm oil imports by 2030, potentially creating more opportunities for coconut-producing countries.
At present, Indonesia leads global coconut output with 17.13 million metric tons, while the Philippines trails at 14.77 million. Much of the Philippine sector's decline is attributed to the devastating impact of Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, which wiped out an estimated 10 million coconut trees.
With fresh funding, aggressive planting goals, and renewed global interest in sustainable coconut production, the Philippines is positioning itself for a coconut industry resurgence. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
