Indigenous peoples (IPs) in Ilocos Norte have expressed their support to the government’s efforts to revitalize the coconut industry.

As one of the beneficiaries under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) in Ilocos Norte, Emilio Rabago, president of the Saguigui Tribal Council Inc. in Pagudpud, is encouraging farmers to plant more high yielding varieties of coconut.

“I am glad that I have planted coconut years ago and now standing here before you to share the benefits I got,” Rabago said during the awarding of certificate of CFIDP interventions in Batac City on Tuesday.

Rabago urged coconut farmers to register to the government’s registry system to avail of various government support services.

Under the revised CFIDP 2024-2028, a five-year road map to transform the country’s coconut industry that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. approved on May 21, 2025, registered coconut farmers can expect a renewed push to boost their productivity, income, and social welfare by rehabilitating and expanding their coconut plantations.

In Ilocos Norte, more than 3,600 coconut farmers have started improving their lots planted with coconut, according to the provincial government.

Through the assistance of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and other partner-agencies, farmers are being organized into cooperatives while various capacity-building trainings are being conducted to integrate them into the value chain.

Among the benefits accorded to coconut farmers and their families include the provision of health and medical benefits, crop insurance, scholarship grants, trainings, and provision of coconut hybrid seed nuts. (PNA)