Philippine Coconut Authority to create multi-sectoral advisory council to tackle coco levy assets

The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) will set up a multi-sectoral advisory council that will make recommendations on the implementation of President Benigno S. Aquino III's two executive orders regarding the planned privatization of coco levy assets, Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.

Secretary Coloma said he got a statement from Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Francis Pangilinan, who said that the PCA will respond to the farmers' concerns.

It has been reported that several coconut farmer organizations are questioning President Aquino's recent executive orders, saying that the orders do not conform to what had been discussed during previous consultations and that they have questions on the planned privatization of coco levy assets.

“On the issue of consultations, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is now drafting a resolution on the creation of a multi-sectoral stakeholders consultative and advisory council, which shall provide inputs and recommendations in the implementation of the executive orders. This shall be approved by the PCA board in its April meeting," Coloma said, quoting Secretary Pangilinan.

Last week, President Aquino issued Executive Orders 179 and 180 concerning the inventory and privatization of coco levy assets. The President's executive orders also set guidelines for the reconveyance and use of coco levy assets. (PCOO News Release)