ILOILO City – The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is urging coconut farmer organizations, associations and cooperatives in the city and province of Iloilo to participate in the selection of farmer representatives in the PCA Board.
PCA-Iloilo Provincial Manager Joel Solis said the groups have until May 12, 2021 to submit their nomination for a qualified candidate to the PCA Board.
What are the qualifications?
* must be Filipino citizens;
* registered with the PCA’s Coconut Farmers Registry;
* own not more than five hectares of coconut farm in the last 10 years;
* nominated by coconut farmers organizations or cooperatives that are active for the past three years; and
* with considerable experience and reputable track record in promoting coconut farmer’s interest and welfare.
On the other hand, nominating organizations/associations/ cooperatives must be active in the past three years in farmer organization and development or community enterprise development. They must also be composed of at least 51 percent coconut farmers and coconut farm workers, or majority of its membership are coconut farmers and farm workers and have appropriate valid registration from the Securities and Exchange Commission or Cooperative Development Authority, or Department of Labor and Employment or existing PCA accreditation.
Solis said three representatives, one each for Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, shall be appointed by the President to the PCA Board as provided for under Republic Act No. 11524 (Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act).
As of May 4, Solis said they have already received three nominations coming from the coconut farmers groups in the municipalities of Lemery, Leon and Tubungan. (PIA-6 Iloilo)
