Farmers or any person cannot just cut coconut trees. If they want to cut down coconut trees, they should first get a permit from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)
PCA regional manager Lornito Orillaneda said the government is enforcing Republic Act 8084 requiring anyone to obtain first a permit from the PCA before felling coconut trees. Moratorium in some instances is granted as long as it falls under the rules and regulations of RA 8084.
Unlimited cutting of coconut trees for housing projects or conversion of coconut to banana plantation, is detrimental to the coconut industry, which is being protected by government. PCA is the main agency charged with protecting and preserving coco-bearing fruits.
Under RA 8084, a fine ranging from 5,000 pesos to 50,000 pesos plus jail time is imposed on any violator, even for cutting down just one coconut tree.
In a separate interview with the Philippine Information Agency, Ranido Alcoseda of PCA-Toril district, says that they provide free ‘abono’ or fertilizer to coconut formers to aid in the rehabilitation of the coconut industry. H also said that PCA is currently focusing its planting participatory program by helping farmers have their own nurseries while concerned agencies provide incentives and technology transfer.
PCA adds that some farmers intercrop coconut trees with durian. Alcoseda says there is nothing wrong with intercropping for as long as farmers get the correct information and technology transfer from government agencies concerned. PCA reports that existing coconut farms in Lupon, Davao Oriental and in Sirib, Calinan, Davao City, who practice intercropping with durian trees, have more than doubled their productivity.
Though PCA has limited number of employees to monitor the cutting of coconut trees in the field, members of the Small Coconut Farmers Organization have agreed to forward reports of violations to the PCA. (PIA)
