The Agricultural Training Institute - Central Luzon (ATI-CL) conducted a two-day Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) Mid-year Assessment and Consultative Activity at Merryland Integrated Farm, Pulilan, Bulacan, on June 20-21, 2025.
The activity aimed to harmonize the implementation of CFIDP programs and projects across various implementing agencies.
Mr. Jian Carlo Castillo, owner of Merryland Integrated Farm, warmly welcomed the delegates, expressing his gratitude for hosting a significant event at his farm. His farm's involvement in the mid-year assessment emphasized the importance engagement of this activity.
During the assessment, participating agencies presented their CFIDP accomplishments and regional targets. An open forum was also held to address issues and concerns related to the implementation of different CFIDP components.
Moreover, Representatives from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office III HVCDP (DA-RFOIII), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), PhilHealth, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), National Dairy Authority (NDA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU), and Provincial Agriculture/Veterinary Offices from Bataan, Zambales, and Aurora attended the event.
The CFIDP, a comprehensive national initiative, aims to uplift the socio-economic status of Filipino coconut farmers by modernizing the industry, enhancing productivity, and ensuring the equitable distribution of benefits from the coconut levy fund, which was restituted through Republic Act No. 11524, also known as the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act.
The Year-End Assessment Activity will be conducted in November this year.
