“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa PCA at CDA sa pagbibigay ng kinakailangang suporta sa mga training at iba pang mahahalagang pagsasanay para sa aming pag-unlad. Malaking tulong po sa amin ang medical at dental mission lalo na sa mga kagaya namin na hindi kaagad nakakarating sa hospital dito sa Balatan, dahil malayo po ang hospital dito sa amin kaya laking pasalamat namin sa medical at dental mission ng PCA”. expressed by Mrs. Editha Gracia, a coconut farmer from Brgy, Cayogcog, Balatan, Camarines Sur.

BALATAN, Camarines Sur – On October 16, 2023, the Cooperative Development Authority had participated in a medical and dental health mission held at Tapayas Elementary School – an event spearheaded by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Region 5 in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur, and other implementing agencies under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) in Region 5.In his message to all the coconut farmers during the opening program, PCA Regional Manager, Mr. Mateo “Bong” Zipagan stressed all the support services and other relevant training activities that PCA conducts in strengthening the operational capabilities of organized and individual coconut farmers in Balatan. He likewise encouraged youth engagement and participation in coconut farming to address the gap among the aging coconut farmers in the Region.

Aside from CDA, other government agencies, stakeholders, and CFIDP implementers, namely: Agriculture Training Institute (ATI), National Dairy Authority (NDA), Landbank-Naga Branch, and Philippine Army 7^th Infantry Division had participated in the event. Representatives of these agencies had shared and explained all the needed services that coconut farmers may consider in expanding their enterprises and in strengthening their capability and competency in maximizing coconut by-products.In support to the activity, CDA provided relevant updates to the coconut farmers regarding the agency’s programs, projects, and activities – thanks to the information booth provided by PCA Region 5 – the event was maximized as a perfect opportunity in sharing relevant promotional materials to the coconut farmers.

“We are proud to share that a total of sixty-three (63) Coconut Farmers’ Cooperatives (CFCs) were registered at CDA as of December 2021, before the passage of R.A 11524 also known as the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act”, Cooperatives Development Specialist II – Mr. Joshua Nayles said. “At present, with the continued support of CDA Region 5 to the on-going implementation of the CFIDP, we have registered twenty-four (24) newly organized CFCs in the Region.  Rest assured that we will spare no effort for the growth and development of our CFCs,” he added.

The whole day activity had an estimated attendees of more than two hundred (200) coconut farmers that had benefited and availed of the medical and dental services provided by PCA Region 5 and supported by the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur.

Indeed, the unwavering commitment among the key implementers of the CFIDP in Bicol Region only shows comprehensive support for the coconut farmers, not just in terms of organizational development, but also in terms of advancing their overall well-being.

This spirit of collaboration inspires hope and brings positive difference in the lives of the coconut farmers. The provision of medical and dental health mission did not just help curb the healthcare needs of these hardworking coconut farmers but have also created lasting impact in improving the quality of their life – increasing their self-reliance and resiliency.

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