The Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) was honored with the prestigious Bayaniyugan Gabay Award by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) during the Coconut Industry Sustainability (COINS) Awards Night, the closing event of National Coconut Week 2024 last August 30. This award recognizes PSAC’s unwavering support for sustainable practices, its efforts to empower coconut farmers, and its contributions to the growth of the coconut industry.
As a key advisory body to the President of the Philippines, PSAC has provided expert guidance and advocated for sustainable practices that significantly contribute to the achievement of the nation’s economic objectives, particularly in the coconut sector. Its collaborative efforts have empowered coconut farmers, strengthened the industry’s resilience, and ensured its continued growth and global competitiveness.
PSAC has been at the forefront of driving transformational change within the coconut sector. Through its collaborative approach, the Council has supported innovative policies and programs that promote sustainable farming practices, enhance the welfare of coconut farmers, and reinforce the sector's resilience in the face of global challenges.
Noel Tempongko, vice president and general manager of the Coconut Processing & Exports Division of Century Pacific Food, Inc., and a PSAC member representing the Agriculture Sector, accepted the award on behalf of PSAC and expressed his appreciation:
“I humbly accept the Bayaniyugan Gabay Award on behalf of the Private Sector Advisory Council — Agri Sector. This recognition from the Philippine Coconut Authority is a great honor, one that truly belongs to everyone who has dedicated their efforts to advancing our coconut industry.”
Tempongko emphasized the importance of partnership and collaboration. “This award highlights the strong partnership between the government and the private sector in creating sustainable solutions for the coconut industry and improving the lives of our coconut farmers.”
He also highlighted key initiatives supported by PSAC, such as a large-scale replanting program and fertilizer distribution, which are vital to revitalizing the coconut industry:
“The program to plant 100 million coconut trees over the next five years is not just about boosting farm productivity; it is about giving hope and a better future to our coconut farmers and their families. The widescale fertilization program for 55 million trees will also support the coconut sector and help revive our local salt industry.”
The COINS Awards Night celebrates individuals and organizations committed to advancing the coconut industry. This year’s event underscored the importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors to secure a sustainable future for this vital industry.