CFIDP rolls out programs for coconut industry
THE nationwide rollout of the programs under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) has started to increase the competitiveness of the coconut farmers in the country.
Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Administrator Benjamin Madrigal Jr. said that the move is in response to the directive of President and concurrent Agriculture Secretary Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. to fast-track the implementation of the development plans and programs of the CFDIP.
On June 2, 2022, then President Rodrigo Duterte issued Executive Order No. 172, which mandates the implementation of the CFDIP.
Madrigal explained that to accelerate the CFIDP implementation, the PCA and 15 other implementing bureaus and agencies will undertake the rollout in the different coconut-growing regions to provide information on the CFIDP programs and register more eligible farmers to the farmers’ registry.
“Based on the regional allocations specified in the plan, we undertake an information campaign to increase the awareness of our coconut farmers on how they can avail and benefit from the programs under the CFIDP,” Madrigal said.
The programs and activities under the CFIDP will be funded from the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund created by virtue of RA 11524, with specific percentage allocations and to be implemented by identified agencies, pursuant to Sec. 4 of the Republic Act (RA) 11524 or the “Coconut Farmers and Industry Fund Act,” with support from the regular appropriations of the implementing agencies.
Madrigal further said that the CFIDP seeks to strengthen cooperation and engagement among regional stakeholders while addressing the challenges encountered by the farmers and partner agencies.
The roll out of the CFIDP will highlight this year’s celebration of the National Coconut Week from Aug.24-30, with the theme “Masaganang Niyugan: Katuwang Tungo sa Maunlad na Kinabukasan.”
It aims to encourage all stakeholders involved in the coconut industry to give tribute and thanksgiving for all the blessings and benefits derived from the industry and to establish a continuing awareness of the “Tree of Life’s” lasting contribution to the global economy.
“Instead of celebrating it for a week, we decided to celebrate it month-long this year. This year’s celebration focuses on improving the productivity of our coconut farmers and market competitiveness of the coconut industry as a means to contribute to the country’s economic prosperity,” Madrigal said.
“We continue to empower our coconut farmers and bring them to business opportunities and breakthroughs as we recover from economic difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.
