The Dinas Small Coconut Farmers Federation (DISCOFAF) is taking the next steps towards expanding their operations after receiving the check for the first tranche of their “Integrated Coco-Coir Processing and Marketing Enterprise” subproject.

DISCOFAF along with their cluster member the Bulawan Coconut Farmers Organization (BUCOFA) are currently engaged in the processing of coco coir, twine and geo-net. With the support from PRDP, they aim to double their production, provide additional income for coconut farmers, and create additional employment for their beneficiaries.

Funds from the first tranche will be used to purchase equipment and machineries needed for this expansion.

According to DISCOFAF General Manager Charlita J. Angon, by converting coconut husks into coco coir and other products, the federation is adding value to what was once considered as waste materials.

“We applied for support from DA-PRDP because we want to help coconut farmers earn extra income,” said Angon. “As is, husks sell for ten centavos only per coconut. If we convert these into twine or geonet, one coconut husk can fetch around P3.50-4.50 in sales.”

The enterprise project with DISCOFAF is funded under DA-PRDP’s Second Additional Financing and European Co-Financing grant (AF2-EU).

PSO Mindanao’s I-REAP Component Head Ronnie John Yulo led the turn over of the check with Finance Unit Head Christian Xerxis Hernandez, Project Accountant Marypaz Ramirez, Procurement Unit Head Mary Nor Gonzales, Finance Analyst Christopher Landig to DISCOFAF Manager Charlita Angon, Treasurer Liezel L. Herebesi, and assisted by RPCO IX FA-I Elvis E. Dial. # (Joy Montecalvo)