Once a sidelined crop, coconut is now at the center of Iloilo’s push for agricultural revival. The provincial government is set to expand plantations to 10,000 hectares within the next three years.

Geron Magbanua, chief of the Crops Division of the Provincial Agriculture Office, said the expansion is part of Iloilo’s plan to reclaim coconut as a major commodity in the province.

Currently, only 8 percent of Iloilo’s agricultural land is planted with coconuts despite its potential, but studies show that 30 to 50 percent of the province’s farmland can sustain coconut production.

“If we expand planting and strengthen processing and market linkages, coconut can shift from being an alternative to becoming the main source of income for many farmers,” Magbanua said.

A major hurdle, however, is that most of Iloilo’s planting materials still come from Mindanao. To address this, the province—working with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)—plans to establish local seednut farms and nurseries.

“This will secure our own supply of quality planting materials and protect Iloilo from pests and diseases affecting coconuts in other regions,” Magbanua explained.

PCA records show Iloilo already has 38,240 hectares of coconut land, 3.8 million palms, and over 37,000 registered farmers, but Magbanua emphasized that awareness of support programs remains low.

Through the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) Fund, farmers can access technical assistance, financial aid, and development opportunities.

“We want them to know these programs exist and are available,” said Magbanua.

The revival plan took the spotlight during the first Iloilo Provincial Coconut Week, with coconut-based products showcased in a weeklong expo at the capitol.

As part of the celebration, 100 seednuts of the Tacunan variety were planted in Leon town, symbolizing the start of expansion.

Vice Governor Lee Ann Dubuque also pushed for a measure requiring buko juice and other coconut products to be served at government events, a move PCA-6 said could be institutionalized through an ordinance.

For Iloilo officials, the revival is more than just crop diversification—it is a strategic comeback for an industry that can power both agriculture and local economy.

“With the right strategy, coconut can rise again as Iloilo’s flagship crop,” Magbanua said.IMT