In a significant push to modernize the local coconut industry, the Davao City Agriculturist Office (CAgrO) and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Davao Region are intensifying efforts to mobilize farmers' organizations under a major national development program.
Reactivating "Sleeping" Associations for Government Benefits
The initiative focuses on the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Program (CFIDP), a landmark program created under Republic Act 11524 or the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act of 2021. The program is designed to increase farmers' incomes through a suite of support mechanisms, including scholarships, training, livestock distribution, and access to modern farming equipment.
However, a key challenge lies in reaching eligible beneficiaries. Dario Divino, Agriculturist II and Industrial Crops Focal Person at the City Agriculturist Office, revealed that out of 155 identified coconut farmers' organizations in the city, only 53 are currently active. This leaves a substantial 102 groups that need to be located and reactivated to participate in the CFIDP.
"This is a challenge for us in the City Agriculturist Office and municipal offices—we need to wake up these sleeping coconut farmers associations so they can be included in the program," Divino explained during an interview with Madayaw Davao on Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on December 3, 2025.
Registration Requirements and Capacity Building
To qualify for the CFIDP's benefits, farmers must meet specific criteria. Divino outlined that eligible participants must own at least 25 coconut trees or maintain a plantation of a quarter-hectare. They are also required to secure a barangay certification and complete their registration with the National Coconut Farmers Registry System (NCFRS).
On the training front, ATI-Davao is spearheading capacity-building programs focused on sustainable agriculture. These efforts are conducted in close partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and various local government units to ensure comprehensive support for the farmers.
A Long-Awaited Opportunity for Farmers
Richel Zamora, Training Specialist II and CFIDP Focal Person at ATI, passionately urged farmers to seize this opportunity. Speaking also on December 3, 2025, Zamora emphasized that the CFIDP represents the fulfillment of a long-standing hope for substantive government support in the sector.
"We have a program for you, please avail of it because no one else can. This is for you, coconut farmers. Let's operate, let's register because this is what we've been wanting for a long time," Zamora stated. He added that their office is now consistently reaching out to these associations as they are the intended beneficiaries of the program.
The City Agriculturist Office and ATI-Davao have committed to expanding their training programs to reach a wider number of farmers. The overarching goal is to strengthen cooperatives and ensure that Davao City's coconut industry can compete and meet stringent global standards.
For more information and updates on the CFIDP, Dabawenyos are encouraged to visit the official ATI-Davao Region Facebook page.
