Antique: The health and medical program of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is set to benefit approximately 53,254 registered coconut farmers in the province of Antique. The initiative was formalized following a memorandum of agreement signed by key representatives including Antique Governor Paolo Everardo Javier, Representative Antonio Agapito Legarda, and PCA officials.

According to Philippines News Agency, the agreement involves the participation of Engr. Dionelo Ongga, Acting Project Development Officer IV for Regional Director Neil Melencion, and Division Chief I for Aklan-Antique Gregory Tenoso III. The program specifically targets farmers registered with the National Coconut Farmers Registry System (NCFRS), allowing them to access health and medical services.

Farmers with landholdings of five hectares or less are eligible for hospital confinement coverage of up to PHP40,000, post state health insurance benefits. Additionally, outpatient care support for medicines, laboratory, and diagnostic services is available up to PHP5,000 every three months, with a similar amount offered for post-confinement support.

The program also extends coverage to the children of coco farmer-beneficiaries, provided they are under the age of 20. Governor Javier confirmed that eight district and provincial hospitals in Antique will offer the necessary medical support to the farmers, which is expected to enhance their productivity.

Under the agreement, expenses initially covered by the provincial hospitals will be reimbursed by the PCA. Representative Legarda has also sought assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment to deploy 13 interns under the Government Internship Program (GIP) to assist in outreach and dissemination of information about the program.