Senator Kiko Pangilinan, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform and former chairperson of the Philippine Coconut Authority Board, welcomed internationally renowned singer and Black Eyed Peas member Apl.de.Ap at his Senate office in Pasay City.
Apl.de.Ap discussed with Pangilinan the “100 Million Coconut Trees for the Climate” project of the Apl.de.Ap Foundation International (ALPFI), an organization founded by the singer which supports initiatives in education, arts, and sustainable development in the Philippines.
Joining him were Omtse Ventures partners Dan Vo and Derek Ruth, Sonia Delen, Board Director of the Apl.de.Ap Foundation International, and Peter Olivar of the Apl.de.Ap Foundation International.
The initiative seeks to plant 100 million coconut trees nationwide to boost production and provide higher income for millions of farmers.
The initiative, in collaboration with the Philippine Coconut Authority, Omtse Ventures, and APLFI, seeks to plant 100 million coconut trees nationwide to boost production and provide higher income for millions of farmers.
The veteran legislator, who filed Resolution No. 23 on July 25, 2025, directing the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation into the implementation of Republic Act 11524, otherwise known as the “Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act,” lauded the efforts of the Grammy award-winning artist and his foundation.
“Farmers are rockstars!”
Apl.de.Ap, who recently shared in a post why farming and planting are important, expressed his strong support for Senator Pangilinan’s advocacy: “I am here at the Senate to support our farmers. Farmers are rockstars!” he said, recognizing farmers as the backbone of the economy.
As the principal author of Republic Act 11524, which created a trust fund from the coco levy fund, the seasoned lawmaker encouraged Apl.de.Ap’s advocacy and offered assistance to the APLFI in pursuing its goals.
The senator emphasized that his office is always open to initiatives that uplift Filipino farmers.
“I’d like you to succeed, so my office is your office,” Pangilinan stressed.
