Arakan, Cotabato Province- In a bid to boost the coconut industry and uplift the lives of coconut farmers, a dynamic gathering of agricultural agencies and local farmers converged at the Municipal Gym in Arakan, Cotabato, for the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Program (CFIDP) Information Caravan on April 4, 2024.
Attended by 118 coconut farmers, the event served as a platform for agencies to disseminate crucial information and for farmers to engage with various government programs and services relative to CFIDP.
Representatives from key implementing agencies, including PhilMech, Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Cotabato and PCA Region XII, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), Landbank, Development Bank (DBP), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Region XII, graced the event.
James V. Dulay, the Municipal Agriculturist of Arakan, Cotabato, extended a warm welcome to all attendees, emphasizing the significance of collaborative efforts in advancing agricultural development. Division Chief 1 of PCA Cotabato, Ruben T. Tacadao, echoed Dulay's sentiments and encouraged the coconut farmers to actively participate in government initiatives.
The CFIDP Information Caravan marked the first information caravan of the year in Region 12, facilitated by the Agricultural Training Institute Region 12 in partnership with PCA Region 12.
Marjurie G. Jalipa, Acting Senior Agriculurist of PCA Cotabato, provided a comprehensive overview of the coconut industry's current status in the province, shedding light on challenges and opportunities.
Various implementing agencies elaborated on their respective program components and services under CFIDP during the event. Representatives from CDA R12, PhilMech, PCIC, LBP, DBP, DTI R12, PCA R12, and ATI R12 shared insights and engaged with farmers to address their questions and concerns.
The highlight of the event was the open forum, where farmers actively participated, posing questions, seeking clarifications, and expressing their thoughts on the presented programs and services. The interactive session facilitated a constructive exchange of ideas between the farmers and agency representatives, fostering a deeper understanding of the initiatives to enhance coconut farming livelihoods.
The information caravan participants received IEC materials on various CFIDP programs and coconut production and processing technologies.
The Agricultural Training Institute Region XII spearheaded the implementation of the CFIDP Information Caravan, underscoring the commitment to empower coconut farmers and drive sustainable growth in the coconut industry.
