The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) held its annual Coconut Industry Sustainability (COINS) Awards last September 11 at the PICC Complex in Pasay City, recognizing individuals and organizations contributing to the sustainable development of the Philippine coconut industry.
This year, Franklin Baker Company of the Philippines was awarded the Best Corporate Social Responsibility Program for its continued efforts to create meaningful impact for its people, communities, and the industry. The recognition builds on Franklin Baker’s longstanding business contribution to the coconut sector, having been consistently recognized as a Top Exporter of Desiccated Coconut and earning a place in the Hall of Fame last year.
Chairman and CEO Jovy I. Hernandez and VP for Supply Chain Bimsy D. Mapa accepted the award on behalf of Franklin Baker, with Hernandez sharing in his acceptance speech how the company’s role in the industry goes beyond producing and exporting coconut products, and how sustainability is deeply embedded in its culture:
“Corporate social responsibility for us is not simply about compliance or fulfilling an obligation. It is our way of working, deeply ingrained in who we are as a company – nestled at our core value of Family and Brotherhood.”
One of the key initiatives highlighted was the SDG Coco Program, a multi-stakeholder effort addressing economic, social, and environmental priorities across the coconut value chain. In partnership with Symrise, Pernod Ricard, and GIZ, the program has provided capacity-building initiatives to 500 coconut farmers in South Luzon, helping strengthen their capabilities and empowering them toward greater independence. Now in its second phase, the program continues to build on these efforts through regenerative agriculture and occupational health and safety initiatives.
With Franklin Baker’s integration into the MVP Group under Metro Pacific Agro Ventures, Inc. (MPAV) in December 2025, the company is further strengthening its commitment to uplifting Filipino coconut farmers and helping build a more resilient and sustainable Philippine coconut industry. More than an award, the recognition serves as a reminder of the company’s greater purpose to create value beyond business and drive progress that benefits the industry, the people, and the communities behind it.
