At least 140 coconut farmer association members in San Carlos City are undergoing a 2-day Pre-Registration Seminar (PRS) from June 11-12, 2024, at Carmel’s Inn and Restaurant.

The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Bacolod, in coordination with the Cooperatives and Livelihood Development Office (CLDO) and Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)-Provincial Office of Negros Occidental, facilitated the PRS attended by three registered associations, Codcod Coconut Farmers, Palampas Coconut Small Farmers and Processors, and Barangay Quezon Coconut Farmers and Livelihood.

CDA Provincial Cooperative Development Specialist Jona J. Gepilga said the seminar aimed at converting coconut farmer associations into cooperatives for easy access to financial assistance, especially from the government.

She added that the PCA funded the seminar and entrusted the CDA with organizing coconut farmer associations into a cooperative, emphasizing that participation is not compulsory for all associations.

CLDO Supervising Cooperative Development Specialist Raymund B. Gepitulan said the coconut farmer associations have to spend between P6,000 – P9,000 to establish a cooperative, with PRS as one of the requirements for the associations.

He added that there are nine coconut farmer associations in San Carlos City, with two of these having previously formed cooperatives. They will encourage these cooperatives to reactivate; they also aim to persuade undecided associations to join as well.

PCA Provincial Office Senior Agriculturist Ann Maridel C. Barrida discussed the programs under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan, which prioritizes cooperatives to benefit.

She shared that PCA Negros Occidental produces hybrid seedlings in the Municipality of Manapla in a communal nursery. The seedlings are scheduled for harvesting in August and then distribution to coconut farmers in Sipalay City, San Carlos City, the Municipality of Isabela, and La Carlota City will follow.

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