SURIGAO CITY - A total of  97 coconut farmers from Surigao del Norte and the Province of Dinagat Islands attended the second batch of the Coconut Farmers & Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) Techno Forum, conducted by the ATI-RTC XIII, through the Information Services Section, in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) on April 25-26, 2024 at the E.Y. Miner Suites, Surigao City. 

"I hope you will find this activity productive wherein you can gain technology and updates to improve your productivity and income as coconut farmers," OIC Center Director Dr. Jessie V. Beldia said during his welcome message. He also encouraged the farmers to engage in the processing of their agricultural products into food. Meanwhile, PCA -Provincial Coordinator – Surigao del Norte Ms. Mary Lez Parejo thanked farmers for their active participation in the program. 

The forum served as a venue for knowledge-sharing, and dissemination of various coconut-related technologies through lectures and demonstrations. It covered topics on CFIDP Scholarship, Coconut Hybridization Program, White Copra Quality Production, Integrated Pest Management, Coco-based Organic Fertilization, CFIDP Loans, CFIDP Marketing, and CFIDP Cooperative Development. 

The pool of speakers includes Cristian O. Omila, Yashica Feb C. Abilay, Joan M. Tambor, and Ana Aishena B. Lakag, all from  PCA, Alfred Val A. Bagnol of the Department of Trade and Industry; Joel L. Butaya of the LBP – Caraga North Lending Center; Demelyne B. Gabales of the Cooperative Development Authority; Eljean Rose U. Sande of the Commission on Higher Education – Caraga; and Junrey L. Bontao of Wilmar Edible Oils Philippines Incorporated.