PILI, Camarines Sur – “This is long awaited by our farmers,” said John Villareal in his Message during the Opening Program, referring to the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund (CFITF) created through Republic Act 11524 of 2021. “As the fund came from the pockets of the coconut farmers, we should implement intelligently and judiciously the funds so that all the benefits will accrue to the coconut farmers,” he stressed. Mr. Villareal heads the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Provincial Office Camarines Sur I.

“This is the second year of implementation,” observed Ms. Mercy Salazar, who heads the PCA Provincial Office Camarines Sur II. She emphasized that in attendance were small coconut farmers organizations (SCFOs) which have the potential to receive assistance, and one had already received funds, thru the CFIDP. She enjoined the SCFOs to organize themselves into cooperatives in order to benefit fully from the programs.

Mr. Michael Villezar, Information Officer II and Project Officer, facilitated the one-day activity. It generated the active participation of the farmers from all over the province. Productive discussions with the information presented by representatives of various implementing agencies:

•Engr. Ilene Oliel, Agriculturist II of PCA Provincial Office Camarines Sur II, discussed the overview of CFIDP

•Mr. Justine Brando Realuyo, Underwriter of PCIC ROV, discussed crop insurance (coconut tree mortality insurance and farmer’s death claim benefit)

•Ms. Glenda Caguco, Technical Education and Skills Development Specialist I of TESDA CamSur, discussed its coconut farmers scholarship program

•Mr. Edgardo Nacario, Agriculturist II of ATI-RTC V, discussed the training for coconut farmers

•Ms. May Celestine Nery, Cooperative Development Specialist II of CDA ROV, discussed the coconut farmers organization and development

•Ms. Maria Elizabeth Naredo, Division Chief III of PCA-Albay Research Center, discussed the hybridization research initiatives for CFIDP

•Mr. Mark Jude Bragais, Account Officer of DBP, discussed the Credit Services for Coconut farmers organizations under CFIDP

•Ms. Madel Salting, Agriculturist II of PCA Camarines Sur Provincial Office I, discussed the CFIDP policies and regulations