The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) on Wednesday said a total of 52,000 coconut trees are placed under watch following last month’s simultaneous planting activity in the four provinces of Central Visayas.

Jenefanel Francisco, project development office of PCA-7, said the number of coconut trees planted in the region is way above the 32,800 trees targeted earlier, to contribute to the plan of the national government to plant 10 million trees nationwide.

Francisco cited the cooperation from other agencies, the private sector, and learning institutions that has helped them achieve their target.

Meanwhile, the PCA-7 established two On-Farm Coconut Hybridization sites in San Miguel, Tanjay City in Negros Oriental, and Boctol, Balilihan in Bohol where more than 5,000 trees of hybrid coconuts were planted for reproduction.

Jelly Uy, regional technical staff of the PCA-7, said the on-farm hybrid seed production project aims to produce quality hybrid coconut.

“Our long-term goal in the on-farm hybrid seed production is to sustain the coconut needs in the country, specifically in our region that has quality planting materials to increase production and at the same time help our coconut farmers through free hybrid seeds,” Uy said.

The hybrid coconut seedlings are being distributed to the farmers in Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, she added. (PNA)