The DA-BAFS participated in the “Let’s Talk Coconut” Forum 2026, held on August 28, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, as part of the celebration of the 40th National Coconut Week.

 

Organized by the DA-Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), this year’s forum focused on the importance of standards in the trade of coconut products, bringing together stakeholders from the government, academe/research institutions, private sectors, civil society organizations (CSOs), and other sectors of the coconut industry.

 

Representing DA-BAFS as resource speakers were Mr. Aerol Dexter C. Ebora, RAgr; Ms. Princess Shiella May T. Sison, RAgr; and Mr. Jyles Louis Monta, RAgr, Project Managers from the Crops Section of the Standards Development Division (SDD). They discussed the DA-BAFS Standards Development Process for Primary Processed Products, the Philippine National Standard (PNS) on Mature Coconut—Product Standard—Grading and Classification (PNS/BAFS 329:2022), and the PNS on Young Coconut—Product Standard—Grading and Classification (PNS/BAFS 65:2024), respectively.

 

The participation of DA-BAFS in this year’s forum provided a vital opportunity to strengthen stakeholders’ awareness and understanding of PNS for coconut products. It also underscored the Bureau’s continuing commitment to developing and promoting standards that are science-based, evidence-based, and responsive to industry needs.

 

 

Through collaborative efforts with the DA-PCA and other stakeholders, DA-BAFS intends to continuously contribute to the development and implementation of standards that support the competitiveness of the Philippine coconut industry while promoting the delivery of quality agricultural products to consumers.