Virgin coconut oil and vinegar products made from Bohol are displayed during the launching of the Regional Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) in Tagbilaran City on Wednesday, August 17, 2022. (Leo Udtohan/Inquirer Visayas)
TAGBILARAN CITY — Boholano farmers displaced by Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai) on Wednesday (August 17) were encouraged to apply as members of cooperatives and farmers associations.
Former president Rodrigo Duterte on February 26, 2021 signed into law Republic Act No. 11524 or the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund (CFITF) Act.
The program seeks to increase the productivity and income of coconut farmers.
Benjamin Madrigal Jr., administrator of Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), said Wednesday’s gathering with farmers, 14 Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) representatives and stakeholders was intended to provide a full view of the comprehensive package of benefits to the coconut farmers, including social and production interventions and jumpstart the rehabilitation and development of the coconut industry.
“All programs should be accessible to all our farmers,” Madrigal told at least 300 participants inside the Bohol Cultural Center. Other participants joined online.
The 36th National Coconut Week carried the theme,”Masaganang Niyugan: Katuwang tungo sa Maunlad na Kinabukasan.”
In Bohol, almost half of the 6.7 million coconut trees were toppled down by Typhoon Odette’s wrath on December 16, 2021.
The PCA has intensified the planting of coconuts in the coming months to replace the 3.1 million coconut trees that were knocked down by the typhoon.
Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado said he will hire 38 agriculturists to assist PCA for the implementation of the program.