The Commission on Higher Education – Caraga Regional Office (CHED Caraga) joined the kick-off of the week-long 2nd Caraga Coconut Festival on August 12, 2024 at Robinsons Place, Butuan City. The festival, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga Regional Office, in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and other Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) implementing agencies, aims to boost the region’s coconut industry through product demonstrations and selling fairs.
Among the event participants of the 2nd Caraga Coconut Festival included the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), among others. Representing CHED Caraga were Dr. Alma S. Patron, Phd, RSW, OIC of the Office of the Director IV; Ms. Noeme Rose D. Mani, CPA, MM, Supervising Education Program Specialist; and Ms. Kate Russel B. Militante, Support Staff for the Scholarship for Coconut Farmers and Their Families (CoScho).
DTI Caraga Regional Director Gay Tidalgo, CESO IV, extended a warm welcome to the attendees and delivered an inspiring message. She emphasized the coconut industry’s significance as a vital source of livelihood for many Caraganon families, empowering them to improve their lives. Emphasizing the coconut tree’s versatility, she explained that every part, from its roots to its leaves, can be beneficial with the right tools and skills.
The Regional Manager of PCA Caraga, Mr. Joel B. Oclarit, gave his message of support by announcing plans to plant dwarf coconut trees, which offer a faster growth cycle. Several prominent figures, including Hon. Ronnie Vicente C. Lagnada, Mayor of Butuan City, represented by Hon. Joseph Omar O. Andaya, City Counselor of LGU Butuan; Hon. Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, Governor of Agusan del Norte, represented by Provincial Administrator Elizabeth Marie R. Calo; and Samuel Roculas, Chairperson of the Coconut Farmer Federation in Caraga, also conveyed their support for the implementing agencies of the CFIDP and their efforts to assist the industry.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony and the CFIDP solidarity group photo is a product demonstration and presentation that highlighted a diverse array of offerings from several provinces, including Surigao del Sur and the Dinagat Islands.
The 2nd Caraga Coconut Festival once again reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the coconut industry, fostering opportunities, and driving innovation that benefit the region and the country.