The launch of The Philippine Coconut Story: Tragedy and Hope, a book by Charles Avila and Edicio Dela Torre, brought together key figures in the coconut industry on Tuesday in Pasig City, underscoring ongoing challenges and reforms.
The book examines the history and current state of the Philippine coconut sector, a vital industry that has long faced issues of farmer welfare, land rights, and economic sustainability.
“The story of the coconut in the Philippines is a story that must be told,” Dr. Fabian Dayrit wrote in the foreword. “We will not be able to understand the present condition of the coconut in the Philippines unless we are aware of its history.”
During the event, the inaugural Tree of Life awards were presented to individuals recognized for their contributions to coconut farmers and industry development. Recipients included former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, former Senator Wigberto Tañada, Marinduque Governor Presbitero Velasco Jr., and journalists Roman Floresca and Rigoberto Tiglao. The late Dr. Conrado Dayrit was posthumously honored as the “Father of VCO.”
Also in attendance were Philippine Coconut Authority Administrator Dexter Buted, former Agriculture Secretary Leonardo Montemayor, and former senators Francisco Tatad, Raul Daza, and PCAF Officials and CIIF board members.