With the aim to expand the nation's coconut sector by extensive and sustainable planting, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) formalized its Massive Coconut Planting Program (MCPP) through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing joined by Dr. Nathaniel R. Alibuyog, Vice President for Research, Development, and Innovation, and Dr. Dionisio S. Bucao, Director for Research, representing MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano Jr., in Quezon City, October 22.

Presided over by PCA administrator and CEO Dr. Dexter Buted, the MOA signing officially formalized the partnership between the PCA, Local Government Units (LGUs), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), farmer groups, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the implementation of the MCPP.

Said initiative, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to plant 100 million coconut palms by 2028, aims to revitalize the coconut industry by replacing senile and unproductive trees, expanding coconut plantation areas, and introducing climate-resilient, high-yielding coconut varieties.

As a significant partner in this nationwide effort, MMSU secured project funding amounting to ₱4,999,280.00 for implementation activities scheduled for Calendar Year 2025. These funds will be allocated toward restoring aging coconut trees, increasing plantation coverage, and promoting the adoption of sustainable coconut farming techniques that enhance productivity and improve farmer livelihoods.

During the ceremony, MMSU, alongside other partner institutions, signed a Pledge of Commitment reaffirming their unified support for PCA’s vision to advance the country’s coconut industry. This pledge underscores a collective dedication to collaboration, transparency, and sustainable development in the sector.

Through this partnership, MMSU continues to support the national government’s call for agricultural transformation, contributing research-based innovations, technical expertise, and community engagement toward a 𝘔𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘯𝘢, 𝘔𝘢𝘶𝘯𝘭𝘢𝘥, 𝘢𝘵 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘉𝘢𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘗𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘴.

Cathelyn May Alupay