Quezon City—A historic collaboration aimed at transforming the Philippine coconut-coffee industry was formally sealed today, as the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Region IV-A, Apl.de.Ap Foundation International (APLFI), and the Philippine Coffee Board Inc. (PCB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the PCA Central Office.
The agreement cements a strategic alliance to standardize and promote the coconut-coffee intercropping for the export market, uniting PCA’s logistical and technical expertise with APLFI’s advocacy and training capabilities. Under the MOU, PCA will spearhead infrastructure and farmer support, while APLFI will lead communication efforts and farmer training initiatives. PCB will drive research and development, particularly in coffee product packaging and market positioning, to ensure high-quality coffee products for export.
Farmers are poised for substantial gains. APLFI has committed to purchasing raw materials at fair trade prices, promoting sustainability and equitable profit sharing. A dividend system will also be implemented, providing farmers with financial returns from final product sales.
“Coconut and coffee are two globally celebrated commodities that have long sustained industries and livelihoods,” stated PCA Administrator and CEO, Dr. Dexter R. Buted. “Today, we unite their potential to uplift our farmers and position Philippine coffee as a globally competitive product,” he added.
APLFI, led by internationally renowned Filipino-American rapper and singer Apl.de.Ap, reaffirmed its commitment to champion sustainable agriculture. Beyond leading communication efforts, APLFI will establish a fair-trade market where farmers receive dividends from end-product sales, guaranteeing just compensation.
PCB President and Co-Chair Pacita U. Juan emphasized coffee standardization’s crucial role in elevating Filipino coffee beans internationally. Following the signing, Apl.de.Ap, serving as Coconut-Coffee Ambassador, underscored Filipino farmers’ vital role in shaping sustainable agriculture’s future.
Support extends beyond production and trade. Department of Agriculture-High Value Crops Development Program (DA-HVCDP) will provide agricultural inputs under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) to amplify impact.
The partnership is expected to create ripple effects across the sector, enhancing global competitiveness while securing better livelihoods for Filipino farmers. With unified efforts from government agencies, private organizations, and grassroots communities, the future of Philippine coconut and coffee is set for remarkable feats.
This article first appeared on Philippine Coconut Authority.
