Albay congressman proposes bill to allocate coconut levy fund portions to government agencies

A congressman has filed a bill to allocate portions of the coconut levy trust fund to government agencies in order to expedite its disbursement to beneficiaries.

Albay Representative Adrian Salceda proposed the amendment under House Bill 2336, which modifies the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act. This law governs the use of funds collected from coconut farmers, planters, and millers during the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr.

Salceda's bill specifies the allocation of the Trust Fund to various government agencies:

• 15% for hybrid coconut seedling planting by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)
• 5% for coconut farmer training by TESDA and ATI
• 5% for research and development by DOST-PCAARRD, PCA, and DA-BAR
• 10% for crop insurance by PCIC
• 10% for farm-to-market roads by DPWH
• 5% for farmer scholarships by CHED
• 5% for health programs by DOH
• 5% for credit programs by DBP and LBP
• 30% for shared facilities programs by PCA

The bill allows reallocation of unspent funds in the next fiscal year to other programs consistent with the development plan for coconut farmers and industry. It also empowers the Trust Fund Management Committee to issue implementing rules and enhance the role of farmers and local governments in program identification and monitoring.

Salceda's initiative aims to address delays in fund disbursement and align with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.'s call to revitalize the coconut industry. The bill seeks to ensure a more efficient and direct flow of funds to farmers.

According to Salceda, the current disbursement process is slow due to fragmented allocations across agencies and lack of project management offices. The bill aims to streamline the process and fulfill the long-standing advocacy of farmers.

Source: GMA Network