The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) joined the Philippine Coconut Authority as they celebrated the 36th National Coconut Week with the theme ” Masaganang Niyugan: Katuwang Tungo sa Maunlad na Kinabukasan.” The event was simultaneously held with the Regional Launching of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) last 19th of August, 2022 at PCA Regional Office Grounds, Government Center, Brgy. Baras, Palo, Leyte. Under the Region VIII Program Components of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Plan, CDA is tasked to conduct intensive cooperative organizing activities and social preparation through a series of trainings, and facilitate cooperative registration and other technical assistance. CDA will conduct capacity building training on Cooperative Management and Enterprise Development. It will help implement support mechanisms and facilitate the livelihood assistance extended by Philippine Coconut Authority. These services will be made available to eligible farmers’ organizations and cooperatives registered in the NCFRS registry who are recipients of the shared facilities and farm improvement program.

During the event, an information caravan in collaboration with ATI-RTC8 was engaged to share this good news to the beneficiaries. There wass also a Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita that displayed marine, farm, and other essential food and non-food products. A Coco Bazaar was also installed to display an array of coconut products and by-products that are available in every province. CDA had the chance to showcase its programs and services through the booth provided by the PCA. CDA Region VIII was spearheaded by Acting Regional Director Venus M. Jornales. Together with her were acting Supervising CDS Maripaz M. Del Pilar, Sr. CDS Rowan L. Delos Santos, Acting Sr. CDS for CRITS, Jordan Madjus, and support staff Jose Urville Don Maliper and Janice Villapaña. Acting Regional Director Venus M. Jornales, gave her message of support to the national program for the Benefit of the Coconut Farmers and Farm Workers and the development of the Coconut Industry by empowering them through Cooperatives.

Among the government agencies present were LBP, TESDA, DOST, DTI, Philhealth and other Local Government Units. CDA had the opportunity to rub shoulders with Cong. Jude Acidre of Tingog Partylist representing House Speaker Cong Martin G. Romualdez, Mayor Eunice U. Babalcon of Paranas, Samar and other Region Heads of the participating agencies. The cooperatives present were Hibubullao Multipurpose Cooperative (HIMPC) of Catubig Northern Samar and Kalipunan ng Maliliit na Magniniyog ng Pilipinas Agriculture Cooperative (KAMMPIL AGRICOOP) represented by their Chairman Frank Roy M. Ribo who is at the same time the President of the RCO 8 Agriculture Cluster.