Legazpi City - The Department of Agriculture-5 (Bicol) is set to distribute agricultural interventions worth PHP 4.2 million to coconut and cacao farmers' cooperatives and associations (FCAs) in Camarines Sur, according to an official statement on Wednesday.
Lovella Guarin, spokesperson for DA-5, revealed in an interview that 16 coconut and cacao FCAs, comprising over 100 farmer-members from 12 towns in the province, will benefit from the assistance under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP). The plan aims to enhance income, productivity, and social equity, promote education, alleviate poverty, and modernize the Philippine coconut industry.
Guarin specified, "A total of PHP 2.25 million will be allocated for the rehabilitation, and PHP 1.95 million for the expansion of cacao plantations among the 16 FCAs in the province. The distribution is scheduled for this month, as the interventions are ready for delivery."
She emphasized that the project's objective is to support smallholder coconut farmers and their families in gaining sustainable employment and income through intercropping cacao and coffee. The initiative also seeks to optimize the utilization of coconut lands for increased productivity, enhance local sufficiency for coffee and cacao, foster community-based enterprises, and empower farmers to conserve and protect the natural resources vital to their livelihoods.
Guarin highlighted that the interventions include the provision of seedlings, organic fertilizer, and farming tools. The FCAs set to benefit from this government aid include the Malabog Integrated Farmers Association of Caramoan town, Del Vega Farmers Association Inc. of Baao, Baao Upland Farmers Association, Monte Calvario Smart Farmers Cooperative of Buhi, Aliar Coconut Farmers Agriculture Coop. of San Fernando, and the Calabanga Cacao Growers Association, among others. (PNA)
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