Coconut farmers recognized with top LGU award

By Nimfa L. Estrellado The provincial government of Quezon receives the Bayaniyugan Award, a testament to its progressive programs that upli...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

The provincial government of Quezon receives the Bayaniyugan Award, a testament to its progressive programs that uplift and sustain the local coconut industry. (PCA CALABARZON)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon — As the provincial government of Quezon was honored as the “Outstanding Provincial LGU for the 2025 Bayaniyugan Award,” Governor Angelina Helen Tan declared her administration's continued commitment to uplifting the province's coconut farmers. This recognition reaffirms the province's reputation as a leader in the coconut industry, which it has long held as the country's top coconut producer.

Quezon province was singled out for this award due to its critical role as the Philippines' top coconut industry. With over 47% of its total land area dedicated to coconut farms, the province produces more than 1.4 million metric tons annually, making it a cornerstone of the nation's coconut industry. The provincial government, led by Governor Tan, has initiated strategic programs to address long-standing challenges like low productivity from aging trees and the economic vulnerability of farmers to market fluctuations.



The prestigious award was presented at the Coconut Industry Sustainability (COINS) Awards on September 2, a highlight of the 39th National Coconut Week. The annual event, led by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), celebrates individuals, organizations, and government units that are instrumental in promoting the country's vital coconut industry.

Among the programs implemented by the province are a large-scale replanting effort and a widespread fertilization program, designed to boost yields and improve farmer livelihoods. The province has also partnered with the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the industry. This roadmap, which aims to promote crop diversification and a more robust value chain, is expected to be completed by June 2025.

The Bayaniyugan Award itself is a key component of the PCA's "BAYANIyugan" campaign, a wordplay on "bayanihan" (communal unity) and "niyog" (coconut). The campaign emphasizes that every Filipino is a hero (bayani) in the effort to revitalize the coconut industry. This award is specifically given to local government units that embody this spirit by implementing impactful programs and policies that directly benefit coconut farming communities.

National Coconut Week, with its theme “Niyog: Ginto sa Kabukiran, Hatid ay Kabuhayan, at Sandigan sa Kaunlaran ng Bayan,” featured various events to engage the public and industry players. These included the COCONUT Philippines Trade Fair, "Let's Talk Coconut" symposium, and a nationwide planting activity on August 28 as part of the PCA's goal to plant 100 million trees by 2028.