By Nimfa Estrellado Quezon Governor Angelina "Doktora Helen" Tan along with key figures, including the Department of Labor and Emp...
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| Quezon Governor Angelina "Doktora Helen" Tan along with key figures, including the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) CALABARZON Regional Director, Atty. Roy Buenafe and Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Liza Mariano during the Quezon Coconut Industry Transformation Conference (QCITC). (Photo from Provincial Government of Quezon) |
LUCENA CITY, QUEZON – Quezon Province, a major coconut production hub, is poised for a revitalization of its coconut industry. In a recent decisive move, Governor Angelina "Doktora Helen" Tan spearheaded the formation of the Quezon Coconut Industry Tripartite Council (QCITC).
Established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on April 29th, the QCITC brings together farmers, government agencies, and the private sector to drive industry growth and farmer prosperity.
"The QCITC will transform Quezon's coconut sector," Governor Tan declared. "We're addressing challenges head-on while focusing on farmer support, innovation, and creating new market opportunities. Our strategic plan for 2024–2030 aims to increase farmer incomes, develop high-value coconut products, and open up new export markets."
According to the governor QCITC brings together a diverse range of stakeholders, including farmers' organizations, government agencies, and private sector representatives. This collaborative council will focus on developing sustainable programs to enhance coconut production, address challenges faced by farmers, and create new market opportunities within the industry.
"The QCITC is a critical step in addressing the issues within our coconut sector, with a strong emphasis on supporting our farmers," stated Governor Tan. "Our initial goal is to create a strategic compliance plan for Quezon's coconut industry spanning 2024 to 2030. This plan will outline key initiatives for increasing productivity, improving value-added processes, and expanding market access for our coconut products."
The coconut industry holds deep historical and economic importance for Quezon Province. This initiative, through the QCITC, seeks to honor that legacy while building a strong, prosperous future for our coconut farmers and their communities. By tackling challenges, enhancing efficiency, and creating new opportunities, we can ensure that this vital sector continues to thrive for generations to come.
Through collaboration with industry stakeholders and government agencies, the QCITC aims to address issues such as aging coconut trees, fluctuating market prices, and climate change impacts. By investing in research and development, sustainable practices, and value-adding technologies, we can create a more resilient and competitive coconut industry in Quezon Province.
The QCITC will promote innovation and the adoption of new technologies across the coconut value chain. This will encompass enhancing farming practices, improving processing techniques, and exploring the development of new coconut-based products. We envision Quezon becoming a hub for innovation in the coconut industry, driving economic growth, and creating exciting new prospects for the province.
The governor expressed her belief that this council's concerted efforts will significantly benefit the coconut industry and farmers throughout Quezon Province. She stressed the importance of collaboration between government, industry stakeholders, and research institutions to ensure the success of the QCITC in achieving its goals. She also highlighted the potential for Quezon to lead the way in sustainable coconut production and export, setting an example for other regions to follow.
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