SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur – The second information caravan of the year for the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) took place here on February 17, 2023. Fifty coconut farmers and Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from the province went to Mabe’s Savory Place in this town to listen to the programs and interventions that they may avail which will be taken from the coco levy fund.

This was announced by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) during the said caravan which was attended by fifty selected coconut farmers in the province. The identification of the participants was done by PCA while the ATI and the Municipal Agriculture Office in San Francisco worked hand in hand for the arrangement of the venue, food, and logistical needs.

Representatives from ATI, PCA, DA, NDA, PCIC, CDA, PhilMech, TESDA, and DTI were in attendance to answer inquiries from the farmers.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte signed an executive order approving the development plan for the coconut industry and the release of a P75-billion trust fund for coconut farmers from coco levy assets.

The CFIDP will be spearheaded by the PCA pursuant to the Republic Act No. 11524 or Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act. However, over a dozen implementing agencies will be given key roles in the implementation and management of funds.

The law creates a trust fund that will be "capitalized, managed, invested, utilized, and accounted for” according to the plans and programs of the CFIDP.