Baybay City, Leyte – The Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) is a program that aims to provide solutions to some of the coconut industries prevailing issues. For its smooth implementation, coconut farmers and other stakeholders are informed of the different components of CFIDP and how to avail of its benefits and services.
The Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act or Republic Act No. 11524 was signed into law by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte on Feb. 26, 2021 and took effect on March 13, 2021. This law shall provide the funds for the CFIDP.
In consultation with the Philippine Coconut Authority of Region VIII, ATIRTC 8 is conducting several information caravans on CFIDP in selected areas of Eastern Visayas along with other implementing agencies.
Fifty (50) farmers attended the activity. Different implementing agencies were presented the different components, namely: Social Protection, Coconut Farmers Organization and Development, Hybridization, Community-based Farm Enterprise Development: Farm Rehabilitation and Improvement, Integrated Coconut Processing and Downstream Products, Innovative Research Projects and their Practical Application on Coconut Processing, Production, and Distribution, and other support services.
Farmers also took the opportunity to asks questions such as clarifying on the difference between the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and the National Coconut Farmers’ Registry System (NCFRS). Engr. Joel O. Pilapil, Regional Manager III of PCA RO 8, answered that coconut farmers need to be registered in the NCFRS to avail of the benefits and services of the CFIDP, eventually, farmers can look forward to the merging of both registries. Currently, data from both registries are useful to come up with an ideal database for the agriculture industry.
The CFIDP Information Caravan was held at the City Auditorium, Legislative Bldg., Baybay City on September 28, 2022.
