Coconut farmers from around the province were recently encouraged to take advantage of interventions laid out by the national government under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) 2024-2028.
Among the programs cited by Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) field officer Jaysel Evangelista during the Coconut Conference – Usap Tayo (Market Updates & Opportunities) Year 5 held by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial office at ARDCI Hotel last July 5, 2026 were the TESDA training scholarships, Mobile Health Services and hospitalization benefits, the Coconut Hybridization Program, free crop insurance, CHED college scholarships, and coconut replanting program in partnership with DOLE.
A number of coconut farmers have been trained on organic agriculture and production at the Prayer Mountain of Catanduanes, Bridge Farm, Neliza Farm and Little Acre Integrated Farm and are now awaiting assessment for the issuance of NC-II certificates.
Mobile Health Services are being conducted by PCA in Bicol provinces, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged barangays, offering free laboratory services, medical checkups, and medicines.
Hospitalization benefits with a maximum of P40,000 can be availed of at Eastern Bicol Medical Center (EBMC) and the Catanduanes Doctors Hospital, Inc. (CDHI) with which the PCA has partnered for the delivery of health services, but the benefit does not include pregnancy.
Coconut farmers are eligible to receive P5,000 for blood chemistry every three months, Evangelista bared.
Under the Coconut Hybridization Program, a total of 200 hectares of coconut farms will be utilized with the four selected towns – including Virac and Bato – allotted 25 hectares each, with PCA to conduct suitability assessment and planting layout.
Under the scheme, the pollen harvested in the process will be bought by PCA for use in hybridization farms in other areas.
The coconut hybridization program seeks to address the shortage of coconut seedlings for Planting and Replanting Program, enhance coconut production by doubling the current yields, and develop and promote coconut hybrids that are resilient to water stress, diseases, and pests.
The agency reminded farmers to register as members of coconut farmers organizations and be listed in the Coconut Farmers Registry System to be eligible for free crop insurance from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC).
The insurance, which is valid for a year, provides coverage for damage and losses in coconut farms of as much as P50,000 for a one-hectare farm with 100 trees.
It would help in the recovery of the farm from damage wrought by typhoons and includes a P10,000 indemnity for the farmer in case of his death, the PCA said.
On the other hand, it announced that applications for the CHED Scholarship Program for Coconut Farmers and their Families (CoScho) are now being accepted until August 31, 2026.
The program offers qualified scholars will be granted P70,000 stipend and P10,000 book allowance for each academic year, plus a thesis or OJT allowance of P75,000, a one-time outlay of P10,000 for attendance in local conference or fora, and a one-time financial assistance of P30,000 for the purchase of a laptop during the first year.
In return, the scholar will be required to work preferably with government agencies directly working with coconut industry, other government agencies, and private entities related to Philippine Coconut Industry for a period consisting of one year per year of scholarship.
Of the first batch of 17 scholars from Catanduanes, one has already graduated and is not working with the PCA provincial office.
“If the scholar is not able to find a job, they can venture into coconut farming to help develop the local coconut industry,” the PCA stated.
The agency is also seeking the approval of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to include the coconut replanting program in the TUPAD emergency employment program where coconut farmers will plant coconut seedlings for 20 days and receive P8,000 as assistance.
Present during the same forum were DTI Regional Director Dindo Nabol and Provincial Director Ma. Belma Escueta, Virac Mayor Sinforoso Sarmiento Jr., Pandan Mayor Honesto Tabligan II and a representative of Gigmoto Mayor Vicente Tayam Jr.
Dir. Nabol emphasized that with Catanduanes being a small market, the local coconut industry needs to be capacitated to expand its product range for the national and international markets.
“The funds are available but potential beneficiaries are not ready,” he disclosed.
Mayor Sarmiento said that the LGU has planted new seedlings from PCA at its agro-forestry program now being developed.
He expressed hope that the island would soon have its own brand of vinegar and wine from coconut sap, the production of which has been declining.
On the other hand, Mayor Tabligan urged farmers to tell the local government exactly what they need as assistance so that the LGU can allocate funding for such interventions.
Also sharing their best practices during the conference were Ricardo Buban of Ricah’s Big Bites Food Products based in Castilla, Sorsogon and Maria Jeil Martines of Llomar Foods Enterprises of Paulog, Ligao City.
The DICT Catanduanes was also represented by the following personnel who discussed separate topics: Project Development Officer I Lyndshey Rica Mae Salvacion (Social Media Marketing), PDO II Maiko Zafe (AI Tools) and Information Officer I Mark Andrew Erisare (Cyber Hygiene for MSMEs).