Black Eyed Peas member Apl.de.ap found a new stage in the fields of Laguna as he kicked off his ambitious plan to plant 100 million coconut trees across the Philippines.
The Filipino-American rapper and producer launched the project in Liliw, Laguna, on October 14, aiming to make farming both sustainable and community-driven.
Apl.De.Ap said his love for agriculture began in Pampanga, where he learned to farm alongside his grandfather.
“Before I moved to the US, I used to help my grandfather in tending to a lot of buffalos. And also, plant crops from sweet potato, to corn, to kamoteng kahoy,” he told GMA News State of the Nation in an interview..
The idea for the initiative took root during the pandemic when he learned about the effects of soil degradation. That led him to discover biochar, a type of organic soil made from biowaste that helps restore soil health.
“Coconut has the best carbon to create biochar,” Apl.De.Ap explained, adding that the project also seeks to uplift local coconut farmers and bring their products to a global market.
Laguna serves as the pilot site, but the Grammy-winning artist said he is already working with cooperatives, local governments, and national agencies to expand the effort.
“Beginning of next year, I’m hoping to start the whole project, working with coops and LGUs and farmers,” Apl.De.Ap said. “We gotta figure it out, that’s why we’re doing the pilot here so that it’s easier.”
