Medical Mission. Coconut farmers receiving services from the medical team of the Provincial Health Office of Bohol.

UBAY, BOHOL - The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) led the conduct of the first Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) On-the-Go: Farmer’s Assembly at Ubay, Bohol on July 22, 2023.

In partnership with the Provincial Local Government of Bohol and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), the first CFIDP On-the-Go offered multiple health services such as general check-ups, dental services, health consultations, and medical advice to about 500 coconut farmers.

"By bringing healthcare services directly to the coconut farmers' doorstep, we ensure that they receive the care they deserve. Our aim is to improve their health outcomes and empower them to continue their vital role in the coconut industry," said PCA Administrator Bernie F. Cruz.

During the CFIDP On-the-Go: Farmer’s Assembly, awarding of program benefits to coconut farmers, consultation with stakeholders on the CFIDP Health and Medical Program, and a dental and medical mission was initiated and conducted by the PCA.

PCA also opened a registration booth for the National Coconut Farmers’ Registry System (NCFRS). This will enable the farmers to access government services from PCA and other government-funded programs, including those stipulated in the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund (CFITF) Act or RA No. 11524.

The PLGU of Bohol represented by the Hon. Lucille Lagunay, Board Member of the 1st District; Hon. Dionisio Victor Balite, Vice-Governor; Hon. Maria Vanessa Aumentado, 2nd District Representative; and Hon. Erico Aristotle Aumentado, Governor expressed their support to the initiatives of the Authority to empower the coconut farmers and to reinvigorate the coconut industry in the Philippines.

As the activity concluded, the PCA expressed their commitment to sustaining such initiatives in the future, with plans to expand the reach of the dental and medical missions to other coconut farming communities across the country. Other agencies will also be enjoined to offer more services to the coconut farmers.

The CFIDP On-the-Go is an advocacy activity led by the PCA in collaboration with the fifteen (15) implementing agencies of the CFITF Act and other industry stakeholders. It aims to bring the programs, projects, and services near to the qualified coconut farmers and their families through various activities such as NCFRS registration booths, information caravans, and awarding of program benefits, including health and medical services.

Aside from the Coconut Hybridization Program, under the CFITF Act, the PCA will also lead the implementation of the Health and Medical Program to improve the well-being of the coconut farmers and their families by providing them health services fit to their needs. Through the CFIDP On-the-Go, the PCA will roll out multiple dental and medical missions nationwide in the coming months.

Commitment. PCA Administrator Cruz expressed the Authority’s commitment in continuously providing dental and medical services to the coconut farmers and their families.

Ceremonial Awarding. PCA Board members during the ceremonial awarding of hybrid seednuts. From left to right: Farmer-Director Flor Olivar; Farmer-Director Roy Ribo; PCA Administrator Bernie Cruz; Ms. Marites Alisaca; DOF Assistant Secretary Glenda Rumohr-Figueroa; PCA RVII Regional Manager Brendan Transmonte; and Farmer-director Pepito Capangpangan.

Assessment of Vital Signs. The Barangay Health Workers of Calanggaman, Ubay examines the vital signs of coconut farmers.

Dental Mission. The dental team of the Provincial Health Office of Bohol performing tooth extraction on coconut farmers.

Information Campaign. Coconut farmers provided with Farmer’s Guide on the CFIDP Programs translated in bisaya.

Provision of Medicines. Coconut farmers supplied with medicines prescribed by the doctors during the consultation.