“Marami na sa ating magniniyog ang namatay na nang di man lang nakatikim ng bunga ng kanilang pagod. Naghintay na sila ng mahigit 40 taon. Huwag natin silang paghintayin pa.”
So said Liberal Party President Senator Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan as he underscored the Coco Levy Trust Fund law as the best gift President Rodrigo Duterte could give to the Filipino coconut farmers as the country observes the National Coconut Week.
According to Pangilinan, the Coco Levy Fund would also be a big boost for the industry constantly hounded by problems like pests and calamities.
Currently, the bill is still pending on the second reading at the Senate, and the similar version of this is being deliberated in plenart at the House.
“Wakasin na natin ang paghihirap ng ating magniniyog at ibigay na natin sa kanila at sa kanilang mga pamilya ang nararapat na kanila at pinagtrabahuhan nila. Nawa’y matupad ito ng kasalukuyang administrasyon,” Pangilinan stressed.
On the other hand, coconut farmers groups nationwide, the religious sector, and civil society organizations have all supported the passage of the measure.
The National Coconut Week is observed from August 24 to 30 every year by virtue of Proclamation 142 signed on 19 August 1987, by then President Corazon Aquino. | Tretch Melarpes – PTV
