The Extension Services Division of CBSUA partnered with the Cooperative Development Authority, Philippine Coconut Authority – Camarines Sur 1, Development Bank of the Philippines, and other agencies involved in the CamSur CFIDP IA Convergence Network, for the Agri-Technology Forum and Project Proposal Writing Workshop on August 1-2, 2024, at the Summit Hotel, Naga City.
The two-day activity aimed to harmonize and initiate programs, projects, and activities relative to the implementation of RA 11524, otherwise known as the Coconut Farmers Industry Trust Fund Act. Twenty-six (26) coconut cooperatives from the entire province of Camarines Sur participated in this activity.
Day 1 was filled with inspirational messages from various agency heads and representatives starting with Dr. Vlademir Foronda who highlighted the mission of CBSUA to bring the university closer to the community—the regional director of CDA, Atty. Emilio Escueta III emphasized the importance of cooperatives in national development. It was then followed by SAVP Rallen Verdadero of DBP who talked about the reality and hopes of farming and farmers’ status in the society. ASec. Virgilio Lazaga, MD, Agricultural Cluster Head of CDA, shared their vision to uplift Filipino farmers’ living conditions and promote cooperatives to be instruments for equity and social justice.
The focused group discussion was facilitated by selected CBSUA professors from the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences who served as consultants and assisted their assigned cooperatives in drafting business proposals. These business plans were presented on the second day of the activity where the partnered agencies provided their feedback which helps the cooperative to secure possible financial grants.
