Kidapawan City, June 23, 2025 — In a significant move to boost the local agriculture and fishery sectors, the City Government of Kidapawan, in coordination with national and local agencies, conducted key initiatives for coconut farmers and inland fisherfolks this June.
Coconut Farmers Undergo Mandatory Training
A two-day mandatory training for coconut farmers was successfully held through the joint efforts of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and the City Cooperative Development Office. The training aimed to strengthen the knowledge and capacity of 49 coconut farmers from various barangays across the city.
The training sessions focused on the importance of cooperativism and modern practices in the coconut industry. This initiative aligns with Republic Act 11524, also known as the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act (CFITF), which seeks to uplift the livelihood of coconut farmers and modernize coconut-based products.
Participating cooperatives included:
- KPL-NP Coconut Agriculture Cooperative
- Southern Kidapawan Coconut Agriculture Cooperative (SKCAC)
- Simalulima Coconut Farmers Agriculture Cooperative
- Paco Coconut Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (PCFAC)
- NBIPMS Agriculture Cooperative
The training is expected to help farmers improve productivity, enhance income, and sustain the development of the local coconut industry.
Support Extended to Inland Fisherfolks
Meanwhile, on June 18–19, the City Agriculturist’s Office distributed essential supplies to 35 qualified inland fisherfolks from 13 barangays including Perez, Indangan, Linangkob, New Bohol, Kalaisan, Ilomavis, Paco, Binoligan, Magsaysay, Macebolig, San Isidro, Sikitan, and Manongol.
The aid package consisted of:
- 400 bags of aqua feeds (140 grower, 140 finisher, 40 fry mash, 40 pre-starter, and 40 starter feeds)
- 40,000 Sexually Reversed Tilapia fingerlings
- 10,000 catfish (hito) fingerlings
This support initiative forms part of Mayor Atty. Paolo Evangelista’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the city’s fishery sector and promote local food security. The program was implemented under the city’s 50:50 scheme and funded through the 20% Economic Development Fund.
Together, these initiatives reflect Kidapawan City’s commitment to empowering its agricultural and fishery communities through sustainable and inclusive development programs.