The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) has included about 1,800 coconut farmers from Central Visayas in a medical survey to prepare for its upcoming medical program, an official said Wednesday.

Ma. Isabel Mamanao, PCA-Central Visayas project development officer, said farmers in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) of Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Cebu, and Bohol were visited for the survey.

In addition, 50 coconut farmers in the region will benefit from the Native Animal Breeder Production Program (NABPP) under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), implemented by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

Mark Nerey Tomalon, CFIDP farm operation group head, said beneficiaries will receive livestock such as chickens, pigs, goats, and cows.

The program is designed to increase coconut farmers’ incomes and diversify their resources while waiting for their coconuts to bear fruits.

Beneficiaries are grouped into clusters based on the livestock they receive. For poultry, 15 farmers will get 50 chicks, chicken feed, vaccines, and fencing materials, along with a 1,000-egg capacity incubator.

Others will receive pigs, goats, or cows, along with necessary feeds and health supplements.

“This initiative provides a sustainable livelihood boost for coconut farmers,” Tomalon said. (PNA)