Capiz invests P2M for coconut initiative
ROXAS CITY – The provincial government of Capiz has been supporting national government efforts to further enhance the growth of the coconut industry in the province.
Provincial Manager Jeffrey Delos Reyes of the Philippine Coconut Authority said that Gov. Victor Tanco allocated P2 million in 2009 to support the government’s coconut replanting activities in Capiz.
The amount was the provincial government’s counterpart to the PCA budget for the planting of coconut seedlings in various areas.
The province’s fund was used to pay farmers whose coconut planted seedlings were stabilized, De los Reyes said.
Each stabilized seedling was paid P15.
Last year, 123,622 coconut seedlings were planted in 137 barangays in Capiz, particularly in the upland towns of Jamindan, Tapaz, and Mambusao.
De los Reyes said P979,910 in planting incentive benefited 718 coconut farmers in the province.
This year, PCA Capiz is aiming to plant some 700,000 coconut seedlings in 700 hectares, he said.
Should there be coconut planting incentive for the project this year, some 700 farmers will become beneficiaries.
De los Reyes encouraged more local government units to support the agency’s efforts, particularly in planting coconut in their respective areas to help mitigate the perennial flooding problem in the province.
Growth
De los Reyes said the coconut industry in Capiz is continuously growing that’s why more farmers are into it now.
He cited the Capiz Small Coconut Farmers Marketing Cooperative which has inspired not only coconut farmers but also local, national and international leaders and communities.
De los Reyes said that with support from the government and the Philippine Australian Community Assistance Program, CASCOFAMCO was able to bring significant economic impact to the province.
Livelihood and employment opportunities to Capiceños and environmental protection are among the top achievements of the group.
For three years now, CASCOFAMCO has posted an average annual gross sales of about P9 million, with an average annual net income of P100,000.
The farmer’s cooperative has also been spending an average of P8 million per year for raw materials coming from Capiceño farmers.
“This is already a big help to Capiceño farmers, knowing that the money revolves within the province,” De los Reyes said.
CASCOFAMCO also spends around P600,000 yearly for the employment of 14 Capiceños.*PIA
