DAR, PCA collaborate to improve well-being of coconut farmers in agrarian reform communities

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) have collaborated on a project to improve the productivity, income, and well-being of men and women coconut farmers within agrarian reform communities (ARCs) and ARC clusters (ARCCs) in selected provinces, initially within six (6) regions of CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol, Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Caraga.

DAR Support Services Office Undersecretary Rowena Niña Taduran expressed her optimism on the evolving collaboration efforts, especially in helping the coconut farmers in cooperation with other relevant stakeholders.

“We are very hopeful for this project as we look forward to a fruitful partnership between the DAR and the PCA to help our coconut farmers nationwide. This endeavor will not be possible without PCA Administrator Dr. Dexter Buted, who is as enthusiastic as us about this proposed partnership,” Taduran said.

Project Management Service Director Von Mark Mendoza presented the "Convergence on Coconut Assistance for Industry Development Project (CoCoAID)”, which focuses on coconut stand rehabilitation, replanting, intercropping, and livelihood diversification.

Buted, together with his staff, discussed the various components under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Fund (CFIDF), R.A. 11524, otherwise known as the “Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act” or coconut levy fund.

“PCA has available budget allocated for coconut industry development under the CFITF, including a separate budget under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2024 for PCA projects and operations,” Buted said.

To finalize the project, a DAR-PCA Technical Working Group (TWG) will be formed to create a roadmap, indicative plan, budget requirements, and stakeholder engagement plan, among others.

The Project also involves the Office of Bureau of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development (BARBD) headed by Director Eric Arevalo, particularly in profiling ARB Organizations (ARBOs) and the capacity development of its members.