BUTUAN CITY – The Information Services Section (ISS) of the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center XIII led the coordination meeting with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) – Caraga Regional Office relative to the implementation of 2024 CFIDP-related activities on January 12, 2024.

ISS Chief Mr. Fil Victor A. Babanto mentioned that the meeting aimed to discuss preparations for the upcoming activities set for 2024 and to seek PCA’s usual support in its implementation, particularly in the conduct of 2 batches of Techno Forum and School-on-the-Air (SOA) on Coconut Production, to commence on March and April. Babanto also acknowledged the significant contribution of the PCA in various CFIDP-related initiatives carried out last year.

For the Techno Forum, the team agreed that PCA will take charge of the identification and invitation of 150 participants per site. In addition, they listed the possible topics and resource persons pending approval from the provincial office. They consented to invite manufacturers of coconut goods to participate in the conference as exhibitors and vendors.

The team initially discussed details of the SOA intended to cover the provinces of Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and the Province of Dinagat Islands. Babanto emphasized that additional meetings with the provincial and municipal LGU partners will take place soon for further deliberation.

Attendees at the meeting were Jell Carphe C. Tamparong - OIC PDO IV, Ernalyn Colon - CPRO III, Lerma Sangco - Technical Staff, all of PCA, and ATI personnel Jason Paul Dads E. Jampac and Mary Grace B. Salve.