Senator Erwin Tulfo: Coconut Trust Fund must benefit farmers, not politicians

Senator Erwin Tulfo has emphasized that the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund must directly benefit Filipino coconut farmers.

He stressed that these funds should not be utilized by politicians or a select group of officials, highlighting the need to avoid the controversies that previously affected the Coco Levy Fund.

Tulfo made the statement during the hearing of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform.

Tulfo noted that the Coco Levy Fund has become a symbol of injustice for coconut farmers, who have waited years to recover funds intended for their welfare.

“This fund came from the hard work and sacrifices of coconut farmers, yet instead of immediately benefiting their welfare, it became the center of controversy, abuse, and a long struggle just to recover what rightfully belongs to them,” said Tulfo in mixed English and Filipino.

“Until now, many of our coconut farmers continue to ask: When will they truly feel the benefits of a fund that was meant for them in the first place?” he asked.

Tulfo said coconut farmers must have a direct role in both shaping and implementing the programs funded by this trust.

“As the principal author of this measure, and with our chairman having also previously served as a principal author, our objective is clear: To ensure that coconut farmers themselves have genuine, direct, and meaningful participation in deciding how the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund will be utilized,” said Tulfo.

“This fund is not for a few officials, not for politicians, and certainly not for repeating the mistakes of the past. This fund is for the coconut farmers to uplift their livelihoods, strengthen the coconut industry, and provide them with the dignity and opportunities they have long fought for and rightfully deserve,” he added.

-Paraluman News