DAVAO CITY (May 24) — The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has opened partnership discussions with global artist and philanthropist Allan Pineda, known as Apl.de.ap, to advance sustainable agriculture initiatives in Mindanao, with focus on coconut development, agri-technology, and climate resilience.
Mindanao Development Authority Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno described Apl.de.ap as a visionary advocate for community development and inclusive growth, highlighting shared discussions on farmer support, agribusiness, and livelihood programs.
The talks centered on coconut-based enterprises, intercropping systems such as coffee and cacao, digital farming tools, and climate-smart agriculture initiatives aligned with national priorities.
Apl.de.ap shared his personal journey from Pampanga to becoming a global music icon, emphasizing his advocacy for farmers through programs promoting sustainable farming, biochar production, and improved rural incomes.
The initiative supports the Philippine government’s coconut industry development program and the goal of planting 100 million coconut trees nationwide by 2028, in line with the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Philippine Coconut Authority’s climate-resilient agriculture agenda.
