Accreditation of Bohol hospital sought for coco farmers’ health benefits rollout

A Provincial Board (PB) Member called for the accreditation of a hospital in Bohol that will enable it to offer healthcare benefits under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund (CFITF).

First District PB Member Lucille Lagunay, during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s regular session on Tuesday, said the health and medical program under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act (RA 11524) can only be availed of in Central Visayas through the Cebu South Medical Center (CSMC) in Cebu City.

She noted that having to travel to the city causes inconvenience and additional expenses to the over 100,000 coconut farmers in Bohol.

“Many of our coconut farmers live in rural and geographically isolated areas. For them to travel to Cebu for treatment, especially during times of illness or emergency is not only costly and inconvenient but in most cases, outright impossible. Boat fare, land transportation, accommodation, food and the emotional stress of leaving families behind—these are real burdens our farmers cannot afford,” said Lagunay in a privilege speech.

The solon proposed the passage of a resolution that will urge the Philippine Coconut Authority and other relevant agencies to facilitate the hospital accreditation.

Under the RA 11524, each registered coconut farmers are entitled to P40,000 for hospitalization and an additional P5,000 for outpatient care and post-confinement needs.

Lagunay added that the benefits can be accessed once every three months.

The law also mandates the deployment of mobile health services to far-flung areas, offering free consultation and diagnostics and medicine.

“This is a program that brings hope to our farmers. This is a welcome relief. However, it is in its initial implementation that the major concern arises [because] the CSMC has been designated as the only partner hospital in the region at this time,” Lagunay said.

Lagunay noted that the national launching of the CFITF was held in Ubay in 2023, marking the province’s vital role in the country’s coconut industry.

“This is a recognition that Bohol holds a central role in the country’s coconut industry, not only in the region, but nationwide. Given this, we should appeal that Bohol be considered as among the first province to have a partner hospital accredited under this program,” Lagunay said. (A. Doydora)