Quezon farmers and townfolks optimistic of coco levy fund law

LUCENA CITY, Quezon – Quezon farmers and townsfolk in this largely coconut producing province are pinning their hopes on President Rodrigo R...

LUCENA CITY, Quezon – Quezon farmers and townsfolk in this largely coconut producing province are pinning their hopes on President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s signing of the proposed “Coconut Levy Fund” bill, which would greatly benefit them and the coconut industry as well.

The optimism came after Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Secretary Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go visited Catanauan, Quezon for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Quezon Coconut Research and Extension Center last Sept. 27.

Quezon Provincial Administrator Romulo Edaño Jr., disclosed during Monday’s flag-raising ceremony that Governor David C. Suarez held a special meeting with Go during the event.

“Tinalakay nila ang nakatakdang pagpirma ni Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte sa Coco Levy Fund Law na inaasahang makapagbibigay ng malaking oportunidad para sa mga magniniyog sa lalawigan (They (Suarez and Go) discussed on the proposed signing by the President on the Coco Levy Fund Law which is expected to provide huge opportunities for the coconut farmers in the province),” Edaño said.

He said the coconut industry development projects would be realized before Suarez’s term as governor ends, after getting the assurance of Go that the government would help build necessary facilities for the Quezon Coconut Research and Extension Center.

“Malaki ang pag-asa ng ating lalawigan na sa mga darating na panahon ay muli magkaroon ng direktang programa na manggagaling sa pamahalaan sa kagalingan ng mga naging benepisyaryo ng industriya ng niyog (The province is hopeful that in due time, it will benefit directly from the programs of the government that would build capacities for the coconut industry beneficiaries),” he said. (Gideon Belen/PNA)