Coconuts

FORMER Manila Rep. Benny Abante has asked lawmakers to scrutinize the multibillion-peso coconut-levy fund in light of the recent controversy involving a board member of the government-sequestered United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB).

The government has been urged yesterday to put into productive use coconut levy funds invested in some government corporations, including in the food and beverage giant San Miguel Corp. (SMC) which had accumulated to some P130 billion by putting these into a trust fund for relending to develop the coun-try’s antiquated infrastructure.

Manila, Philippines – During the launching of the Food Staple Sufficiency Program (FSSP) at the World Trade Center in Pasay City last July 5, President Aquino took pride in the accomplishments of his administration towards national rice self-sufficiency.

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine coconut exports from January to July this year declined by 40.2 percent, figures released yesterday by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) showed.

MANILA, Philippines – A party-list lawmaker warned Friday the country’s multi-billion-peso coconut industry is in danger of collapse unless the government steps in and saves the sector, which has been the source of livelihood for some 24 million Filipinos for decades.

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is expecting lower exports of coconut oil this year in the aftermath of the global economic crisis.

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), reportedly plans to spend up to P700 million this year on a fertilization program for the coconut sector.

Any stranger or first-time visitor to Laguna and Quezon will be instantly awed at the sight of endless rows of tall and lush coconut trees which dominate the landscape. But the thick tree cover all around seems to camouflage the acute ills that beset the coconut industry in these provinces and the entire country.