By: Paolo Manuel C. Fule
In response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s challenge for Filipinos to plant millions of coconut seedlings throughout the country as stated in his recent State of the Nation Address, thousands of citizens of San Pablo City in Laguna province gathered early morning of August 29, 2025 to set a Guinness World Record for the largest number of people planting coconuts simultaneously in multiple venues.
This was announced by Guinness adjudicator Swapnil Dangarikar who travelled all the way from India to observe, verify, and certify the official world record attempt.
“Around 10,000 coconut seedlings were planted in 11 rural barangays. The event marks the beginning of a massive three-year coconut planting program to restore San Pablo City’s standing as the number one coconut-producing area in the Philippines,” quipped San Pablo City Mayor Najie B Gapangada Jr.
He further clarified that many of San Pablo’s coconut trees are already decades old, making replanting necessary for a healthy environment.
He also linked the effort to future economic growth, particularly with the planned expansion of the San Pablo City-based Franklin Baker Company (FBCo), recently acquired by businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan. FBCo, a 100-year old company, will need a huge supply of coconuts.
“Mr. Pangilinan has assured me that the factory will be relocated to a new agri-industrial zone to be established in San Pablo to expand its operations. This means more jobs for San Pableños. Thus, planting coconuts today will translate into employment opportunities tomorrow,” the mayor explained.
The effort was spearheaded by two volunteer groups: the Maiba Naman Movement and One San Pablo Movement, headed by Ernie Empemano, in partnership with the City Government.
The Guinness World Record attempt coincided with the nationwide observance of National Coconut Week, celebrated every last week of August in the Philippines.
“Tayo po ay magtulong-tulong at ipakita po natin sa mundo na ang San Pablo City ay may mga katangian. We are selling the character of the City–very polite, understanding, and willing to help. Dito na kayo sa San Pablo. Halina na kayo at dito mag negosyo. Lugar na pinagpala at lugar na bukas para sa mga negosyante”, the good Mayor added in his second Meet the Press held at PLSP library right after the tree planting activity.
The event also drew support from local and provincial leaders, including Governor Sol Aragones (represented by Vice Mayor Antonio Aurelio), Vice Governor Atty. JM Carait, Board Members Karla C. Adajar-Lajara and Jigcy Pecaña Jr., City Councilors John Adajar, Carmela Acebedo, Richard Pavico, and Gel Adriano, as well as Mr. Philip C. Young Special Assistant to the Secretary of Dept. of Agriculture, Regional Director Bibiano C. Consibido Jr. of PCA Region IV-A and Provincial PCA Manager Warren De Guzman. (With report from CIO Rolly Inciong)
