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  • ISPSC receives first tranche of PCA grant to advance Massive Coconut Planting Program

    The Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, through its Research, Development, and Extension (RDE), has taken another significant step in advancing sustainable agricultural development after receiving the first tranche of funding worth ?2,499,640.00 from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), part of the College's total ?5 million grant, for the implementation of the 2025 Massive Coconut Planting Program (MCPP) on July 27, 2026.

    The fund release marks the operational commencement of ISPSC's role in the nationwide initiative following the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement in 2025. It further strengthens the College's commitment to translating research into tangible community impact by supporting scientific interventions, nursery establishment, and the sustainable production of quality coconut seedlings in line with the national target of planting 100 million coconut trees by 2028.

    The funding will strengthen ISPSC's RDE programs by supporting the establishment and maintenance of coconut nurseries, advancing research and extension activities that promote sustainable coconut production, and producing quality coconut seedlings for distribution across partner communities. The initiative also reinforces the institution’s role in promoting climate-resilient agriculture, enhancing coconut productivity, and improving the livelihood of coconut farmers in Ilocos Sur.

    Receiving the grant were ISPSC President Mario P. Obrero; Dr. Jocelyn Absolor, Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension; Mr. Richard D. Dela Cruz, Director of the Tobacco and Agricultural Research Center; Ms. Krizanne I. Lanuza, Director for Financial Management; and Engr. Christian Rod De Vera, Chief of the Smart Agricultural Systems and Mechanization.

    Present during the grant turnover were Philippine Coconut Authority representatives Joemary Cabrera, Agriculturist II; Marc Ferdinand Cabbaloan, Agriculturist I; Sidney Hagad, Agriculturist I; and Erica Gabor, Project Development Officer I. 

    The first tranche will provide initial operational support for project implementation, including establishing coconut nurseries, procuring necessary materials, and 
    implementing activities under the PCA's Massive Coconut Planting Program. (Hannah B. Galutan)
    Photos by Nin?o A. del Rosario
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