TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Most inquiries from coconut farmers on the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) were on cooperative formation. This was learned during the information caravan held on September 26, 2022 at Royal Function Hall of Shacene Pension House and Restaurant, in this city.

Fil Victor Babanto, OIC Training Center Superintendent II of ATI-RTC 13, mentioned that the signing of Republic Act No. 11524 or the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund (CFITF) on February 16, 2021 paved the way for the formulation of a 50-year Coconut Farmers’ and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) that outlines the road towards modernization and industrialization of the coconut sector.

During the open forum, Jeffrey D. Raya of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), explained the services of CDA under CFIDP. He said that their agency will offer technical support not only to registered cooperatives but even those that are working towards cooperative formation.

Among the services CDA will offer will be training on cooperative management and technical advisory services to name a few. Those qualified to avail of their services under CFIDP are farmers registered under the National Coconut Farmers Registry System (NCFRS).

Joel Oclarit, Regional Manager III of PCA-Caraga, told the farmers about the importance of cooperatives and their advantages especially in availing of the many services and programs under CFIDP. He encouraged them to stay positive, to have patience and perseverance, and to organize themselves into cooperatives for their own benefit.

A total of 50 coconut farmers and agricultural extension workers (AEWs) attended the information caravan. They came from the first district of Surigao del Sur namely: Tandag City, Bayabas, Cagwait, Cantilan, Carmen, Carrascal, Cortes, Lanuza, Lianga, Madrid, Marihatag, San Agustin, San Miguel, and Tago.