More support for coco industry

DAVAO CITY – Coconut farmers urged the government to pour more support in terms of capacitybuilding, investments, research, and policy to the industry, which continues to be among the country’s top exported crops. Philippine Coconut AuthorityMarket Research and Promotion Division chief Rosella B. Villaruel, who presented the three-page resolution drafted during the Cocolink 2016 last week at the SMX Convention Center Davao, said the farmers suggested that planning for the development of a comprehensive Coconut Industry Development Plan be institutionalized in the industry. She said the planning should allow stakeholders to jointly prepare and submit plan, monitor and evaluate results, continuously collaborate towards development. She also disclosed that coconut farmers demanded “to strengthen, empower, and or officially recognize regional coconut industry clusters as the organization that will coordinate and represent the regional stakeholders in the preparation of the comprehensive coconut industry development plan through the Regional Development Councils.” (Antonio Colina IV)