by Irish Joy Adrales, CDS II
On August 18, 2026, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) conducted the Coordination and Consultation Meeting with LGUs, Municipal Cooperative Development Officers, and Various Partner Stakeholders held at Mijares Hotel, Brgy. Dalakit, Catarman, Northern Samar. The activity provided a venue for government agencies, LGUs, cooperatives, coconut farmer organizations, and other stakeholders to discuss the implementation of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) and strengthen convergence efforts at the local level.
During the CFIDP discussion, Mr. Rowan L. delos Santos presented the CFIDP implementation and the role of CDA, highlighting the importance of strengthening coconut farmer cooperatives as vehicles for livelihood, enterprise development, and market participation. The CocoFarm Coop 2026 Roadmap emphasized a progressive approach beginning with “Foundation: Organize and Consult,” followed by “Capacity: Train and Mentor,” and ultimately “Market and Scale: Support and Sell.” The roadmap underscores the need to organize farmers, strengthen cooperative capabilities through training and mentoring, and prepare cooperatives to access markets and sustain their enterprises.
The CFIDP discussion was complemented by the presentation of Ms. Joyce Elaine Evangelista of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on the agency’s role under the Research, Marketing, and Market Promotion component. The presentation covered market linkages, business matching, product development, packaging and labeling, digital marketing, e-commerce, certification assistance, and trade promotion. Eligible coconut farmers and cooperatives registered in the National Coconut Farmers Registry System (NCFRS) and accredited by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) are among the direct beneficiaries. During the open forum, participants raised questions concerning the availability, eligibility, and access to various forms of assistance under CFIDP.
The activity also featured the Pag-abot Program under Executive Order No. 52, presented as an important social protection intervention for vulnerable and disadvantaged children, individuals, and families in street situations (CI/FISS). The discussion covered the program’s processes, including profiling, outreach, assessment, reintegration, provision of appropriate social protection services, and monitoring. It also emphasized the role of LGUs and partner stakeholders in identifying beneficiaries, facilitating referrals, and supporting the successful delivery of interventions to those in need.
Overall, the activity strengthened interagency convergence and stakeholder coordination in Northern Samar. The CFIDP discussions highlighted the complementary roles of CDA and DTI in organizing and capacitating coconut farmer cooperatives and connecting them to market opportunities, while the Pag-abot orientation emphasized coordinated social protection interventions for vulnerable sectors. Through continued collaboration among national government agencies, LGUs, cooperatives, farmer organizations, and other partners, the activity reinforced the shared goal of ensuring that government programs are effectively implemented and translated into meaningful and sustainable benefits for communities.
