Thousands of coconut farmers get medical services in Quezon

By Jay B. Laurino Health workers deliver on-site medical services to coconut farmers in remote areas of the Polillo Group of Islands. (Cong....

By Jay B. Laurino

Health workers deliver on-site medical services to coconut farmers in remote areas of the Polillo Group of Islands. (Cong. Mark Enverga)

POLILLO, Quezon – Around 2,951 coconut farmers received on-site medical care through a government health mission covering island barangays in Quezon. Outreach efforts underscore the need to address gaps in access to healthcare among agricultural workers.

Across the covered areas, the program reached nearly 3,000 registered coconut farmers through the mobile health initiative funded by the coco levy. The activity forms part of the Health and Medical Program under Republic Act 11524 and the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).



Beneficiaries received various services such as blood chemistry tests, dental care, eye checkups, ECG tests, X-rays, ultrasound, doctor consultations, and free medicines. The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), in partnership with local government units, delivered these services through mobile teams across the Polillo Group of Islands and Barangay Umiray in General Nakar.

Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga, who chairs the House Committee on Agriculture, said the completion of the mobile health services highlights the government’s continued commitment to improving access to healthcare for coconut farmers. He noted that bringing services directly to communities helps reduce costs and encourages early diagnosis.

“Malinaw na layunin natin na mailapit ang serbisyong pangkalusugan sa bawat magniniyog, lalo na sa mga nasa malalayong lugar. Sa ganitong paraan, mas napapangalagaan natin ang kanilang kalusugan at kabuhayan.”

For farmers needing further medical attention, Enverga said coordination with local health facilities is ongoing to ensure proper referrals and continued care. He added that follow-up support remains available for patients requiring additional treatment.

“Sisiguraduhin natin na hindi napuputol ang gamutan ng ating mga magniniyog, lalo na sa mga nangangailangan ng mas masusing atensyon. Patuloy ang ating pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga lokal na pagamutan upang mabigyan sila ng tamang serbisyong medikal.”

In Polillo town, one of the rollout sites was Barangay Sibulan where the mobile health services were conducted for local beneficiaries. Around 400 coconut farmers in the area were expected to receive medical, dental, and eye checkups during the activity.

Enverga personally observed the conduct of the program alongside Polillo Mayor Angelique Bosque-Pico. Their presence highlighted close coordination between national and local officials in delivering services on the ground.

The Philippine Coconut Authority said the activity was carried out with the support of local government units in participating towns. It also acknowledged partner agencies and local officials for helping ensure the smooth delivery of services.

The PCA said similar initiatives will continue in other coconut-producing areas to expand program coverage. It added that continued use of the coco levy fund remains key to improving both health outcomes and farmer welfare.