GOV.PH
The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) in partnership with the Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC) launched the Coconut Month Celebration on August 11, 2020 at CSPC Villafuerte Hall Grounds. PCA themed this year’s celebration as “Masaganang Niyugan Tungo sa Kaginhawaan” and was adapted by the Region and was translated into Rinconada dialect as “Noyog padagos itanom ag atamanon, Produkto kadi kausawagan ka Rehiyon”. This event aims to heighten people’s awareness and appreciation for our industry’s promising contribution to our country’s economy and the people’s wellbeing.
The Philippine Coconut Authority slated various activities across the country in preparation for the month long activity. The PCA also collaborated with various government agency for the nationwide promotion of Coconut as a “Healthy Food” for the Filipinos.
The preliminary ceremony started with a welcome message by the College President and was followed by the Talk on Coconut Based Product Development by Department Manager Cisteta A. Cueto. Subsequent to the talk is the Message given by PCA Regional Officer V Manager, Mateo B. Zipagan. The event was also graced by the presence of the Division Chief I of PCA Camarines Sur II, Mercy R. Salazar.
Afterwards, the Coconut Tree Planting took place at strategic places inside the CSPC Campus facilitated by the CSPC Physical Planning Officer, Engr. Jeffrey P. Reginaldo, and the PCA Agriculturist II, Sofia Juserhine I. Bucad.
Later on, the Partnership and Planning Conference commenced and headed by the College President as the Presiding Chair, Dr. Charlito P. Cadag, and Regional Manager Mateo B. Zipagan as the co-chair. Also attending via zoom is the administrator of National Philippine Coconut Authority, Mr. Benjamin R. Madrigal, Jr.
The discussion centered on the Joint Extension Activities, the Coconut Food Production, Development, and Improvement, COCO Eskwela, and the Modernization in relation to Coconut Based Product Development.
The celebration was capped by a live broadcast of PCA through the CSPC Campus Radio, 87.5 DWVF-FM School Radio to delve on the continuing awareness of the Coconut and its importance to our national life. Additionally, to pay tribute, honor and thanksgiving for the blessings and benefits derived from the coconut industry. Likewise, to appreciate the uses, health benefits, and business opportunities related to coconut as it is called the “Tree of Life”. Lastly, to accentuate the explored partnership between Philippine Coconut Authority and Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges. The fruitful celebration was made possible through the initiative of the Director of Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges – BUHI Campus, Director Hejie Andalis Dimabogte.
The attendees from PCA are, Mateo B. Zipagan (Regional Manager III), Cristeta A. Cueto (Department Manager II of PCA – Albay Research Center), Josephine T. Nieva (Division Chief III of PCA – Albay Research Center), John I. Villareal (Division Chief I of PCA Camarines Sur 1), Mercy R. Salazar (Division Chief I of PCA Camarines Sur 2), Basilio C. Abba (Senior Agriculturist of PCA Camarines Sur 1), Juan S. Luna (PCA Senior Agriculturist), Sofia Juserhine I. Bucad and Mark Anthony G. Verdejo (PCA Agriculturists II), Jojemar Aguilar (President of Monte Calvario SCFO, Buhi, Camarines Sur), Alex Blancada (Member of BOD, San Isidro SCFO, Baao Cam. Sur), Jorge Españo (President of Inapatan SCFO Nabua Cam. Sur), and Niko Cepe (member of BOD, SSCOFEO, Santiago, Iriga City)
The attendees from CSPC are, the College President, Dr. Charlito P. Cadag, along with, the Vice President for Administration and Finance, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Research Extension, Production and Entrepreneurial Development, Unite Heads, Directors, Deans and Stakeholders.