For many young Filipinos from coconut-farming families, agriculture is more than a livelihood—it is a legacy. This vision came to life as Batch 1 of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) Internship Program formally commenced through the Signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on November 19, 2025, bringing together interns, families, farm partners, and government stakeholders united by a shared commitment to the future of the coconut industry.
The activity gathered Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Tabango, Maasin, Macrohon, and Tunga, Leyte, alongside accredited coconut-based farm partners—CCF, Dikos Integrated Farm, Tempesto Integrated Farm, Yadads Integrated Farm, and Umahan ni Sergio Integrated Farm. The presence of CFIDP interns and their parents or guardians underscored the critical role of family and community support in shaping the next generation of agripreneurs. Representatives from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Region VIII, including Ms. Valerie Labareño (Accountant I) and Ms. Melinda Petalcorin (Chief, ISS), further strengthened the spirit of collaboration during the event.
In her opening message, Ms. Gizell Jill Nuñez, Chief of the CMDS, introduced the CFIDP Internship Program as a 21-month learning journey designed specifically for youth from coconut-farming households. She shared that the program blends hands-on farm immersion with business and enterprise development, enabling interns to learn directly from experienced farm partners and prepare to build sustainable coconut-based enterprises of their own. Her presentation clarified the program’s objectives, implementation process, and the shared responsibilities of ATI, PCA, LGUs, farm partners, interns, and families.
A meaningful highlight of the activity was the Signing of Contracts between the interns and their respective farm partners. More than a formality, the signing symbolized trust, mentorship, and a collective promise to guide the interns as they gain real-world experience in coconut production and agri-enterprise development.
Delivering an inspirational message, Ms. Melinda Petalcorin encouraged the interns to value every lesson, challenge, and opportunity they will encounter throughout the internship. She also acknowledged the vital role of families, institutions, and farm partners in supporting the interns as they take their first steps toward becoming skilled farmers and entrepreneurs.
The program concluded with a brief wrap-up from Ms. Nuñez, who reiterated the importance of collaboration and thanked all participants for their commitment. The activity ended on a hopeful note, reflecting a shared belief that empowering the youth today will lead to a stronger and more resilient coconut industry tomorrow.
Meanwhile, applications for the 2nd Batch of the CFIDP Internship Program remain open until January 26, 2026. The upcoming batch will offer eight (8) internship slots across four coconut-based farm partners in the region, giving more young individuals the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to the sustainability of the coconut sector.
