Butuan City, August 16, 2025 — Over 100 participants from 40 Coconut Farmer Cooperatives gathered at the SM Event Center for a pivotal orientation on government policies affecting grassroots enterprises, held as part of the 2025 Caraga Coconut Festival. The activity was funded by the CFIDP.

Hosted by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) through the CPDAS team led by Senior Cooperative Development Specialist Ms. Demelyne B. Gabales, the event aimed to deepen understanding of taxation and legal frameworks that impact cooperative operations and micro businesses.

Key Highlights:

BIR’s Taxation on Cooperatives was discussed by Revenue Officers John Michael D. Bernados and Krislie A. Cubillas, who clarified tax obligations and exemptions relevant to registered cooperatives.

DTI’s Barangay Micro Business Enterprise (BMBE) Law was presented by Trade Industry Development Specialist Elyn Rose A. Ranario, emphasizing benefits such as income tax exemptions and simplified registration for micro enterprises.

An open forum followed, allowing participants to raise concerns and seek clarifications directly from the experts. Farmers expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage in dialogue and gain practical insights.

Outcome: Attendees left with a stronger grasp of cooperative taxation and BMBE privileges, equipping them to make informed decisions and ensure compliance while maximizing benefits for their communities.

The orientation marked a significant step toward empowering Caraga’s coconut farming sector through education and collaboration.

To elevate the fun and excitement, participants were treated to a full day of perks—including morning and afternoon snacks, a hearty lunch, free CFIDP-branded t-shirts and notebooks, and exciting prizes during the Q&A segment. All these were generously funded by the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), making the event both memorable and rewarding!