Coconut farmers’ cooperatives were invited to hear first-hand from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) the salient provisions of RA 11524 or Coconut Farmers Industry Trust Fund Act in the CDA Koop eForum recently held.
Atty. Marlon M. Terrado of the PCA Legal Affairs Services adeptly discussed the salient provisions, focusing on the presentation on the deliverables of RA 11524, Nomination and Screening of Coconut Farmer Representative to the PCA Board, Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund and Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).
He also explained the roles of coconut farmer cooperative to be nominated as representative to the PCA Board, which shall be voted upon and shall participate in the provincial, regional and island-group forums.
There shall also be continuous orientations with partner and farmer organizations, famers, cooperatives, associations and others on the registration of coconut farmers and nomination and selection process. There are 1,344 eligible voting organizations qualified to participate in the selection of farmer representatives in the PCA Board.
Atty. Terrado also discussed that the Act shall be maintained for fifty (50) years under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan and used for the benefit of the coconut farmers and the development of the coconut industry.
He explained that the utilization of the Trust Fund shall be in accordance with the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP). The initial allocation of P5 Billion shall be available to the designated government implementing agencies.
Atty. Terrado said that PCA has already reached out to the 11 implementing agencies and sent letters, requesting the names of their permanent focal persons for this cause to start the drafting of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the implementation and monitoring of the development programs.
The PCA has also reached out to DOF, NEDA, DTI, and DBM to provide the names of their permanent and alternate representatives who will provide advisory opinion, ensuring that the CFIDP covers programs that support the development of the farmers and the industry and promote social change.
You may download the full presentation below. For more information, please visit the CDA Philippines Facebook page, like and share the page to be updated on latest issuances, programs and activities of the CDA. To watch the recorded video of the recently concluded Koops eForum you may click https://tinyurl.com/CDAeForumJUne.
