MANILA — The development of the coconut industry remains a key priority for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., with the government committing sustained support to boost production and improve the welfare of coconut farmers nationwide.

President Marcos reiterated this commitment during the third meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) held at Malacañan Palace on Tuesday, approving 21 priority bills, including proposals to amend the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act.

“Ang isa sa binigyang tutok ng Pangulo ay iyong tungkol sa pagpapaganda ng coconut industry,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing.

“Binigyang-diin ng Pangulo na dapat matulungan natin ang mga coconut farmers natin dahil second tayo sa pinakamalaking nag-e-export sa buong bansa. So, pinatutukan din ito ng Pangulo,” she added.

The Philippines is the world’s second-largest producer of coconuts, producing 14.77 million metric tons in 2024, behind Indonesia.

Efforts to further develop the industry are expected to increase farmers’ incomes while strengthening the country’s position in the global agricultural market.