The Philippine Coconut Authority-5 (Bicol) is urging coconut farmers and workers to register with the National Coconut Farmers’ Registry System (NCFRS) to avail of and enjoy programs and benefits offered by the government. In an interview, Mateo Zipagan, PCA-5 regional manager, said different local government units in Bicol are now helping coconut farmers and workers to be included in the NCFRS. “Ang target namin na ma-register ay 395,000 actually sa buong Bicol (Our target for registration is actually 395,000 throughout Bicol). We are hitting 120,000, wala naman katapusan itong pag register, under the law RA 11524 or the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act, registration must be updated every two years para yong mga namatay, mapalitan ng mga gusto mag register (so that those who have died can be replaced by those want to register),” Zipagan said. He said NCFRS is a record of coconut farmers and workers who can avail of government services, programs, and benefits. “They will have a reference number that they can present during claims and assistance provided. If you are not part of the system, you can not avail of,” he said. Zipagan noted that Bicol can produce 2 billion coconuts per year. “In our estimate, for the entire Bicol region, we can produce 2 billion nuts per year and go to Lucena areas. Hindi problema ang raw material sa Bicol (Raw material is not a problem in Bicol),” he said. He noted the improved coconut production in the region. “Normally when it’s September, the price of coconut is up, PHP31 per kilo. Coconut is in demand usually by that month,” he said. He said among the benefits available for farmers registered under the NCFRS are scholarships for their children, continuing education and training, infrastructure and medical support
Source: Philippines News Agency
