Accessible Programs for the Coconut Farmers. [Left to right] Merliza Bonga and Ryan Monceda, PMO Project Development Officers IV, meet with the Landbank of the Philippines-Iloilo Lending Center Account Officer Hazel Sabine last March 2, 2023 to discuss the strategies in making the CFIDP Credit Program more accessible for coconut farmers and coconut farmer organizations. The LBP has conducted and participated in various caravans and roadshows to cascade information about the LBP programs under CFIDP.

DILIMAN, Quezon City – To ensure the effective implementation of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund (CFITF) Act or R.A. No. 11524, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), through its Program Management Office (PMO), has begun its validation and monitoring activities for the various programs and projects stipulated in the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).

On top of the initial assessment of program implementation, validation, and monitoring activities ensure that CFIDP programs are carried out according to their objectives and targets. Said activities include regular field visits, data collection and analysis, and stakeholder consultations.

"The government has allotted a significant budget for the implementation of the CFIFP program, and it is our responsibility to ensure that this budget is utilized properly and that the programs are implemented as planned," PCA Administrator Bernie F. Cruz said.

Validation and monitoring activities of the PMO cover various CFIDP programs, projects, and services implemented in 2022, including the distribution of hybrid coconut seedlings, the establishment of coconut-based enterprises, and the provision of financial assistance to coconut farmer cooperatives.

PCA has also emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in program implementation. Through its PMO, the Authority has set up a monitoring and evaluation system to track the progress of the programs and guarantee proper fund utilization.

The Authority is also strengthening partnerships with local government units and other stakeholders to deliver the CFIDP programs effectively in their respective areas. Furthermore, the PCA will work closely with coconut farmer organizations to gather feedback and recommendations on improving the programs.

"We want to ensure that the funds allocated for the CFIDP programs are utilized properly. We also want to make sure that the programs are reaching their intended beneficiaries and that they can make a positive impact on their lives," Administrator Cruz added.

Validation and monitoring activities for the 2022 CFIDP programs are expected to run until the second quarter of this year. The results will be used to improve the operationalization of the programs, craft steering measures, and ensure success in achieving the CFITF Act objectives.

The CFITF Act, through the programs, projects, and services written in the CFIDP, aims to uplift the lives of coconut farmers and improve the competitiveness of the Philippine coconut industry. With the validation and monitoring activities in place, the government hopes to achieve its targets and make a significant impact on the lives of Filipino coconut farmers.

Empowering Coconut Farmer Groups. Kreisha Ainna Marielle L. Roque, Project Development Officer IV, and Roy Benedict Peralta, Project Evaluation Officer III, from Program Management Office together with Johndom B. Domagtoy, Division Chief I, and Rhea B. Ocay, Regional Technical Staff, from PCA Cebu visited Mandilikit Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MMPC) in Argao, Cebu City last March 7, 2023. MMPC is composed of 82 coconut farmer members and one of the recipients of the financial assistance from Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) in 2022 which they used in putting up a new storage facility for their produced copra.

Support to Coconut Farmer Organizations. Ms. Cyrine Rongco, PMO Planning Officer IV, visited the multi-purpose center of Binibihan Agriculture Cooperative (BAC) in Carigara, Leyte last February 23, 2023. In 2022, the BAC received financial assistance from Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) which they may use as a start-up capital.