13/05/2026
The Crops Research Division (CRD) of DOST-PCAARRD recently conducted the Annual Project Review and Evaluation for two (2) ongoing initiatives under the Coconut Hybridization Program (CHP) being implemented by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA).
The first project, “Profiling and Evaluation of Coconut Palms for National Coconut Hybridization through Hyperspectral Data and Image Analysis,” led by Joselito T. Francisco of PCA-Corporate Planning Service (PCA-CPS), established PCA’s capability in hyperspectral sensing, drone mapping, and geospatial analysis for coconut monitoring. It generated baseline spectral data for the country’s first coconut spectral library, supporting varietal identification, plant health assessment, and productivity estimation through precision agriculture.
The second project, “Soil and Leaf Nutrient Profiling of Coconut Hybrids in PCA Demonstration Farms,” led by W***y A. Mercullo Jr. of PCA-Davao Research Center (PCA-DRC), focuses on improving site-specific nutrient management through soil and leaf analysis. Preliminary fertilizer recommendations for Regions II, III, IV-A, IV-B, and VII were developed to enhance coconut hybrid productivity.
The activity was attended by key PCA officials, including Deputy Administrator for Research and Development Branch Annabelle B. Francisco, Deputy Administrator for Operations Branch Roel M. Rosales, Acting Head Executive Assistant Joseph Cezar L. Deligero, CPS Division Manager Ma. Odessa M. Pacaul, Laboratory Services Division (L*D) Chief Ma. Celia M. Raquepo, PCA-DRC Acting Department Manager Juvy T. Alayon, and the rest of the project teams. Also in attendance were Dr. Edwin R. Abucay and Mr. Rodolfo O. Ilao, who served as technical evaluators of the projects.
This activity was led by CRD Director Leilani D. Pelegrina together with Coconut ISP Manager Alissa Carol M. Ibarra, representatives from the Office of the Executive Director for Research and Development (OED-RD) and FAD-Accounting Section of DOST-PCAARRD, and the CHP team.
📸: Gian G. Nepomuceno