The management team of the Philippine Coconut Authority-Region VI led by Regional Manager Neil J. Melencion, PhD and Mr. Francis B. Fegarido, Project Development Officer VI, visited the prospective site for the UPV-PCA Coconut SeedFarm in UPV Miagao Campus located at Brgy. Lumanggan, Miagao last 11 May 2023.
The team from OVCPD led by Prof. Anthony Albaladejo, Assistant to the OVCPD for SDRP, Ms. Jenelie Acosa of SARP, Ms. Milyn C. Leghid of FRAS, and other UPV personnel accompanied them in the field. The visiting team made a courtesy visit to Brgy. Captain Faala and his officials before proceeding to the field.
The proposed site is composed of around 17 hectares to be used as coconut nursery, coconut seedbed and coconut seed plantation for seednut production, and other future related products. The proposed seedfarm is in support of the Coconut Hybridization Program of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act (RA 11524) entrusted to the Philippine Coconut Authority.
The program aims to ensure the sufficient quantity of quality planting materials of around 112M in the next ten years for replacement of the unproductive and senile palms as well as in the continuing expansion of coconut plantations to maintain the country’s position as major producer and exporter of coconut products in the world market.
After the site visit, RM Melencion and PDO Fegarido had a meeting with Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development Rhodella A. Ibabao, PhD and her team at OVCPD. They discussed about the details of the Memorandum of Agreement and the next steps in the implementation of the project. On a separate date, the consultant of Dr. Johnny Sanggalang and Mr. Arnel Toraja, Division Chief of the Philippine Coconut Authority-New Coconut Seeds Production Center, also visited the site to identify the suitable area for the coconut nursery.
The University of the Philippines Visayas has allocated 50 hectares for the coconut seedfarm stipulated in the 2021-2030 UPV Visayas Miagao LUDIP approved by the BOR last September 2022. Initially, PCA-R6 will develop the first 17 hectares coconut seedfarm and UPV will continue planting for the rest of the areas under its own operation and management.
This project envisions to contribute to the advancement and development of the country's coconut industry by serving as cooperating agency in the conduct of R&D on coconut, primarily on coconut value-added products and industrial uses such as bio-diesel and coco coir among others.
The present administration is hopeful that this project will materialize soon as it will ensure the the utilization and maximization of the idle land resources of the University as well as generate potential income to support the delivery of its tripartite mandated functions such as teaching, research, and extension.
The project has been endorsed to the UP System for presentation and approval of the BOR in consideration of the 25-year duration and land area of 17 hectares.
