The CDA Caraga Regional Office, in collaboration with the Cooperative Project Development Assistance Section (CPDAS), is proud to execute the Coconut Farmers Industry Development Plan Project (CFIDP) on Coconut Farmers Organization and Empowerment through Cooperatives (COCOFARMCOOP). This initiative aims to establish robust and self-sustaining cooperatives of coconut farmers engaged in profitable agribusiness enterprises. By adhering to the principles of cooperativism, the project targets to provide tangible economic opportunities and benefits to its member coconut farmers.
As part of the Year 1 implementation, the project includes the provision of financial assistance (MC 2022-29) to eligible Coconut Farmers Cooperatives (CFCs), with 25 cooperatives receiving Php 250,000 each. Additionally, eligible recipients are granted laptops (MC 2023-10) as per the qualification criteria, which includes being PCA Accredited, categorized as a micro cooperative, possessing a valid Certificate of Compliance (COC), and having no unliquidated funds from the Authority.
On June 19, 2023, a momentous event took place at The Pavilion, Watergate Hotel in Butuan City, as the Turn-over of Laptops was held for twelve (12) qualified Coconut Farmers Cooperatives (CFCs). The ceremony was graced by the presence of esteemed individuals such as Joel Oclarit, Regional Manager of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), and Jonathan Mundo, Manager of DBP Butuan. Regional Director Monatao Honeya R. Alawi expressed her appreciation as the CFCs received their laptops, emphasizing their primary use for business and office operations, as well as compliance with electronic reporting requirements. Arsolino Cabilin, Chairperson of Tagasaka Coconut Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (TACOFACO), conveyed his gratitude as a second-time beneficiary of CFIDP, acknowledging the privilege of being selected as a recipient of the project.
The twelve (12) recipient cooperatives are as follows: Maibu Agriculture Cooperative (MAAGCO) – Butuan City, Bonifacio Agrarian Reform Cooperative – Las Nives, Jagupit Coconut Farmers Agriculture Cooperative – Santiago, Agusan del Norte, Tinago Eagles Fisherfolks and Farmers Producers Cooperative – Malimono, Surigao del Norte, City Wide Diversified Coconut Farmers Agriculture Cooperative and Katipunan Agricultural Producers Cooperative – Bayugan City, Hugpong sa Kusganong Panaghiusa Multi-purpose Cooperative – San Luis, Ads, Tigao Farmers Development Cooperative – Cortes, SDS, Tago Agro-based Agriculture Cooperative – Tago, SDS, Tagasaka Coconut Farmers Agriculture Cooperative – Hinatuan, SDS, Pandanon Coconut Farmers Marketing Cooperative – Tandag City, and San Isidro Kauswagan Producers Cooperative – Bislig City.
During his address, PCA Regional Manager Joel Oclarit praised the Cooperative Development Authority for its exemplary implementation of the CFIDP. He noted that the project is effectively managed and executed, ensuring that recipients, including the cooperatives, experienced the prompt and high-quality delivery of programs and projects they rightfully deserve. ********
