The Western Mindanao Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESMAARRDEC), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), brought the 𝐂𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐭 𝐅𝐈𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐀 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 to life as a celebration not only of a crop, but of culture, livelihood, and resilience. The event was held at the WMSU Social Hall from August 13-15, 2025.

While WESMAARRDEC hosted the Zamboanga City leg of the event, the Southern Mindanao Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (SMAARRDEC) gathered their own community at Honey’s Hotel in Mati City, Davao Oriental. The simultaneous celebrations connected two regions with one shared vision: to revitalize the coconut industry for future generations.

The opening program was graced by leaders and partners in the field, including Dr. Berhana I. Flores, Chief of Staff, Office of the WMSU President, representing Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena, President of Western Mindanao State University; Bihildis A. Quezon, Acting Regional Manager III of the Philippine Coconut Authority (Region IX); Dr. Liberty H. Canja, Acting Department Manager II of the Zamboanga Research Center; and other guests from the Philippine Coconut Authority.

Speaking on behalf of Dr. Ochotorena, who also serves as Chair of the Regional Research and Development Coordinating Council (RRDCC), Dr. Flores welcomed the participants, industry partners, coconut farmers, entrepreneurs, and attendees, highlighting the coconut’s enduring value to the Filipino people.

“The coconut is not just a tree or a plant; it is a livelihood, a culture, and a promise of life for generations,” Dr. Ochotorena said in her message. “For ages, it has stood as a steadfast companion to our farmers, a source of nourishment for our families, and a pillar of economic strength for our nation. Revered as the ‘Tree of Life,’ it has given us food, shelter, clothing, livelihood, and even inspiration for countless innovations,” she added.

With the theme “𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙏𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙣𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙮 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙚: 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙯𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙏𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙇𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙮,” Coconut FIESTA 2025 became a platform for showcasing research breakthroughs, sustainable farming practices, value-added coconut products, and opportunities for industry collaboration. The Farms and Industry Encounters through the Science and Technology Agenda or FIESTA for brevity, serves as a dynamic platform for technology promotion, transfer, and commercialization of innovations generated from research funded by DOST-PCAARRD.

As part of the 39th National Coconut Week, Coconut FIESTA 2025 was convergence of minds, hands, and hearts dedicated to shaping the future of the coconut industry. Through the united efforts of WESMAARRDEC, SMAARRDEC, DOST-PCAARRD, the Philippine Coconut Authority, and numerous coconut stakeholders, the Tree of Life continues to stand tall as a living emblem of resilience, innovation, and hope for generations yet to come. (LMP, PAO)