Central Visayas Coconut Farmers to Benefit from PCA Medical Program

The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) did a medical survey of about 1,800 coconut farmers from Central Visayas to prepare for the agency’s upcoming medical program, according to Ma. Isabel Mamanao, PCA-Central Visayas project development officer, the Philippine News Agency reported on December 18.  Farmers in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) of Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Cebu, and Bohol were visited for the survey, Mamanao said.
In addition, 50 coconut farmers in the region will benefit from the Native Animal Breeder Production Program (NABPP) under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) implemented by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), according to Mark Nerey Tomalon, CFIDP farm operation group head.  The beneficiaries will receive livestock such as chickens, pigs, goats, and cows.  The program is designed to increase coconut farmers’ incomes and diversify their resources while waiting for their coconuts to bear fruits.
Beneficiaries are grouped into clusters based on the livestock they receive. For poultry, 15 farmers will get 50 chicks, chicken feed, vaccines, and fencing materials, along with a 1,000-egg capacity incubator. Others will receive pigs, goats, or cows, along with necessary feeds and health supplements.