BALER, Aurora — As President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. pushes for the national expansion of the coconut industry, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is encouraging Aurora coconut farmers to register and benefit from long-term government support programs.
Registration under the National Coconut Farmers Registry System (NCFRS) is the key requirement to access these programs, including the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), which aims to enhance farm productivity, increase income, and strengthen local coconut-based enterprises.
PCA Provincial Head Aldrin Veneracion Jr. emphasized the importance of the registry, noting that Aurora is one of the country’s most strategic areas for agricultural investment.
“With Aurora’s leading role in the regional coconut industry—producing about 520,000 metric tons or 94.07 percent of Central Luzon’s total coconut output from 2016 to 2020—our farmers are in a strong position to benefit from these programs,” Veneracion said.
Eligible farmers are those cultivating coconut farms of five hectares or less and must submit a valid government-issued ID, a 2×2 photo, and proof of land ownership to be included in the national database. The registry also covers cooperatives and associations to promote shared access to services and support enterprise development.
Veneracion said the NCFRS opens the door not only to farm-related support but also to holistic programs that benefit farmers and their households.
“CFIDP also provides scholarship assistance, financial support, medical programs, and even animal interventions that can help uplift the lives of coconut farmers, their families, and farm workers,” he added.
In his 4th State of the Nation Address, President Marcos underscored the government’s plan to boost coconut production through the mass planting of high-quality seedlings and amendments to the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act.
“Mula ngayong taon, hindi bababa sa labing-limang milyong hybrid at mataas na klaseng mga binhi ng niyog ang ating itatanim sa iba’t ibang panig ng Pilipinas. At itutuloy natin ito hanggang isandaang milyong puno na ng niyog ang ating maitatanim sa buong Pilipinas,” the Chief Executive said.
In support of these goals, PCA is increasing registry participation that will help identify priority replanting areas and foster the growth of high-value coconut-based enterprises. The agency also envisions the database as a tool for building partnerships with local governments, cooperatives, and private investors to create more sustainable livelihood opportunities for coconut farmers.
