Misamis oriental: The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) formally inaugurated its PCA-led Agro Hub, which will serve as the Regional Office and Training Center for Region 10 (Northern Mindanao).

According to Philippines News Agency, the new facility aims to bring government services and technologies closer to local coconut farmers to improve productivity and boost livelihoods in the region. It will function as the main office, training center, and coordination venue for the implementation of PCA programs in Northern Mindanao, strengthening technical support and capacity-building initiatives for the coconut sector.

The event also featured the Coconut Stakeholders' Forum, where the agency presented its programs, projects, and activities (PPAs), including the proposed 2027 budget. An open forum was conducted to allow farmers to raise concerns and recommendations to ensure that services remain responsive and inclusive.

As part of its social protection efforts, the PCA also led the ceremonial turnover of wheelchairs to elderly coconut farmers to support their mobility. With the opening of the facility and early planning for the coming year, the PCA expressed optimism for stronger collaboration among farmers and partner sectors toward a more resilient and unified coconut industry in Northern Mindanao.

Last year, the PCA announced it is accelerating its coconut replanting drive under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s push to regain the country's position as the world's top coconut producer. It has raised its 2026 planting target to 50 million trees, doubling the original 25 million goal upon the President's directive. The expanded target forms part of a five-year program launched in 2023 that seeks to plant 100 million coconut trees by 2028.