The recent success of the Save Coconut Foundation Inc. 7th Annual Cocofed Scholars National Convention held Aug. 23-25 in Dumaguete City is largely due to the strong support of the local political leaders.
Gov. Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria allowed us the use of the Negros Oriental Convention Center as venue, and donated at least P100,000. for the event hosting in the Province.
Financial contributions also came from 1st District Cong. Jocelyn Sy-Limkaichong and 2nd District Cong. Chiquiting Sagarbarria. Many others contributed money, their precious time, various overworked days and sleepless nights — blood, sweat, and tears to ensure that our plans come to fruition.
On the first day of the convention, Mayor Felipe Remollo, through the Dumaguete City Tourism Office, entertained the Cocofed scholars to a night of live band, food, and dancing at the Pantawan along Rizal Boulevard.
Over 100 former Cocofed scholars all over the country, with some who had come home from abroad for the national convention, were impressed at the embodiment of Dumaguete’s tagline, City of Gentle People.
The Cocofed scholars further enjoyed the hospitality of Oriental Negrenses on the second night of the convention when Governor Sagarbarria hosted the evening with local delicacies and desserts, and more live band and dances.
The Province also provided transportation for the Cocofed scholars’ tour of local attractions in Dumaguete and the mountain town of Valencia.
The Cocofed scholars were joined in the convention by over 500 coconut farmers and leaders; national, regional and local heads of the Department of Agriculture and the Philippine Coconut Authority, and officials of Negros Oriental.
More importantly, what the Save Coconut Foundation needs is the local governments’ continued generous support to carry out the Convention’s theme: COCOnvergence of Stakeholders towards the Sustainability of the Philippine Coconut Industry.
In extension, our LGUs will have contributed to the nation’s second most important industry, and the people’s second most common agricultural source of livelihood.
We hope the coconut industry continues to benefit from our public officials’ programs on good governance.
Sansen Lee Vendiola
SCFI National Convention Committee
