Coconut farmers and workers in Negros Oriental are urged to sign up with the National Coconut Farmers’ Registry System (NCFRS) so they can avail of programs and benefits offered to this sector.

In a forum hosted by the Philippine Information Agency last week, Marita Somido, acting provincial coconut development manager of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) in Negros Oriental, said only 40,000 verified coconut farmers, organizations and other workers in the sector have so far registered in the program that aims to provide them with opportunities to grow their businesses as well as avail of government assistance.

The target population for this sector in the province is pegged at 102,000.

Somido said the lack of documentary requirements has slowed down the registration process. Registration can be done either online or by pen and paper at the PCA office.

She said for this year the government has allocated P5 billion to the 14 government implementing agencies that are involved in the Coconut Farmers Industry and Development Plan.

Last year, P5 billion was also allotted for the same program, she added.

This program aims to rehabilitate the country’s coconut industry through Executive Order 172, series of 2022, which then-President Rodrigo Duterte signed last year, with a budget of P75 billion. (PNA)