LUCENA City, Quezon – The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), together with various implementing agencies (IAs) including the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), have formally launched the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).
The event introduced the components of Republic Act (RA) 11524, or the Coconut Farmers and Industry Fund Act, and how it can improve the coconut industry as well as the lives of the coconut farmers.
Agriculture Secretary William Dar said that RA 11524 “is a game-changing law of the land.”
“This is a formidable law giving new life and new hope in the coconut industry,” he stated as he led the launch.
Secretary Dar added, “Hope is now here for the coconut farmers to be a productive, profitable, and sustainable industry, and it is now in your hands.”
With this, he urged the farmers to support the program, which is primarily made for them and the entire industry.
Likewise, in his opening speech, PCA Deputy Administrator Roel Rosales said, “Ang programa ay nabuo bilang pagkilala sa ating masisipag na magniniyog na siyang dugo at buhay ng industriyang ito.”
[“The program was created in recognition of our hardworking coconut farmers who are the blood and life of this industry.”]
He also highlighted the component programs of the CFIDP. Specifically, these include social protection initiatives, coconut farmers organization and development, hybridization, community-based farm enterprise development, integrated coconut processing, research projects, and other support services.
Different exhibit booths organized by the CFIDP IAs showcased various programs and projects available under the law.
For its part, the ATI provided information materials on some coconut processing technologies and some other intercropping practices.
Coconut farmers and cooperatives, local government representatives of CALABARZON, and other DA officials were present during the event.
Moreover, heads of the different IAs expressed their support through video messages, and discussed some initiatives of the CFIDP.
This activity was held last June 24 at the Quezon Convention Center in the said city.
