The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) hosted the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) in a meeting on February 20, 2026 to discuss the proposed creation of Local Coconut Farmers’ Councils in support of the implementation of the Revised Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) 2024–2028.
Assistant Secretary Elizabeth N. Lopez de Leon, DILG Assistant Secretary for Community Participation, and CDA Ex-Officio Member of the Board, welcomed the participating agencies and emphasized that the collaboration marks a significant step toward empowering the local coconut industry through strengthened partnerships with local government units. She was joined by officers and staff from the DILG’s Bureau of Local Government Development (BLGD).
The establishment of Local Small Coconut Farmer Councils, as outlined in the Revised CFIDP 2024–2028, was approved through Office of the President Memorandum Circular No. 84, series of 2025. The Revised CFIDP mandates the creation of these councils at the municipal level and highlights the critical coordination among the CDA, PCA, and DILG to ensure effective implementation.
In closing, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to advance the initiative and finalize the Guidelines for the establishment of the councils. A Technical Working Group will be created to lead the drafting and coordination efforts.
Representing the PCA was Mr. Jimbo M. Mallari of the CFIDP Project Management Office.From the CDA, attendees included Mr. Ray R. Elevazo, Deputy Administrator for the Institutional Development Service; Atty. Leah B. Banagui-Han, Deputy Administrator for the Legal Affairs Service; and Ms. Melissa C. Santos, Chief of the Cooperative Project Development and Assistance Division.
