The Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center 1 (DA-ATI-RTC 1), in collaboration with the Philippine Coconut Authority-Region 1 and other implementing agencies of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) in Region 1, launched the CocoEskwela: A Webinar Series on Coconut Farming Technologies on February 25, 2025, via Zoom Meeting and Facebook Live.
The CocoEskwela is a series of online seminars with 10 episodes, starting this month until November this year. It will feature sessions mainly to disseminate highly relevant information and technologies on coconut farming. Specifically, the activity will introduce the value chain of coconut farming, such as integrated enterprise farming and coconut by-product processing, and empower coconut farmersโ organizations.
Heads of the lead implementing agencies of the activity delivered their messages during the launching program, emphasizing the significance of knowledge sharing in strengthening coconut farmersโ productivity.
In his words, Mr. Mark Roy Q. Macanlalay, Regional Manager III of PCA-Regions 1,2, & CAR, hoped that the CocoEskwela would impart new knowledge and learning process for coconut farmers.
Dr. Jayvee Bryan G. Carillo, OIC Center Director of DA-ATI-RTC 1, assures the coconut farmers in his message, โAng karunungan ay puhunan upang makamit ang matatag, masagana, at progresibong progresibong industriya ng niyog sa bansa,โ highlighting webinarโs goal in enhancing coconut farmersโ resiliency amidst challenges in coconut farming.
Meanwhile, Mr. Alladin C. Tabo, Project Officer/Information Officer II of ATI-RTC 1, explained the rationale for coming up with the CocoEskwela as he presented the activityโs overview. Mr. Tabo detailed that the activity was based on the result of the conducted information needs assessment which includes the topics, learning method, and the delivery strategy.
During the launching episode, three (3) topics were also tackled. The first topic was the Overview of the CFIDP and its program components, including the agencies tasked in the implementation. Secondly, Ms. Ellen Jehn L. Lazo, Information Officer of PCA-Regions 1,2, & CAR, shared the overall 2024 CFIDP accomplishments, highlighting the key milestones of each implementing agency in the previous year.
DA-ATI-RTC 1 CFIDP Technical Working Group Head Ms. Abegel A. Joson put on view the Centerโs extension interventions in support of the 2024 CFIDP implementation. She also introduced the 2025 projects and activities that coconut farmers can avail of. At the end of the three topics, an open was held allowing the exchange of information among the resource persons and participants attending FB Live and Zoom Meeting.
With this collaborative initiative, it is hoped that CFIDP beneficiaries will be provided with the necessary services that will lead them toward productive and resilient coconut farming.
