MANILA, Nov. 21 -- Without much fanfare or the glare of media attention, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), in partnership with local government units and civil society organizations, quietly undertook a significant initiative in September 2023: the planting of coconut trees across three islands within the municipality of Kalayaan.
The planting of coconut trees was more than a greening initiative - it is a living statement of sovereignty. In the contested waters of the West Philippine Sea (WPS), every rooted tree becomes a quiet but firm declaration that these islands are part of the Philippine homeland. This initiative saw the planting of 600 seedlings across three islands, including Barangay Pag-asa, the municipality's heart. These ...