CDA Region XII Conducts Pre-Registration Seminars for Coconut Farmers in GIDA Areas
The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region XII recently conducted Pre-Registration Seminars (PRS) for coconut farmer associations in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) across Region XII. A total of 319 coconut farmer associations participated in the seminars, representing 43 municipalities and cities from the provinces of Cotabato, Sarangani, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat.
Participants from Cotabato came from the municipalities/city of Alamada, Aleosan, Antipas, Banisilan, Carmen, Kidapawan City, Libungan, Magpet, Makilala, Matalam, Midsayap, Mlang, Pigcawayan, Pikit, President Roxas, and Tulunan. Coconut farmer associations from Sarangani represented Alabel, Glan, Kiamba, Maasim, Malapatan, and Malungon. Meanwhile, participants from South Cotabato came from Banga, Koronadal City, Lake Sebu, Polomolok, Norala, Santo Niño, Surallah, Tampakan, and T’boli, while Sultan Kudarat participants represented Bagumbayan, Columbio, Esperanza, Isulan, Kalamansig, Lambayong, Lebak, Lutayan, Palimbang, President Quirino, and Senator Ninoy Aquino.
The activity aimed to strengthen coconut farmer organizations and prepare them for formal cooperative registration under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).
The seminars provided in-depth orientation on key cooperative development topics, including:
• History of Cooperatives
• The Seven (7) Cooperative Principles, Values, and Practices
• Cooperative organizational structure and functions of officers
• Rights, privileges, obligations, and responsibilities of members
• Requirements and step-by-step process for cooperative registration
An orientation on Republic Act No. 11524, or the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act, was also conducted, highlighting its objectives and the role of CDA as one of the implementing agencies, particularly in organizing coconut farmer associations into duly registered cooperatives.
To support farmers from remote communities, CDA provided free snacks, lunch, and transportation to all participants. The coconut farmers expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that the seminars enhanced their understanding of cooperative operations, RA 11524, and CDA programs under CFIDP, better preparing them to successfully register their associations and access government support.
