Products and By-Products on September 2-6, 2024 at IMA Integrated Farm, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, and on September 9-13, 2024 at MSTTAC Integrated Farm, Bolinao, Pangasinan, respectively.
The training program aims to develop coconut farmers' knowledge and skills in processing and utilizing virgin coconut oil (VCO) and charcoal briquettes, which are potential livelihoods of their families and organizations. Good manufacturing practices (GMP) and break-even analysis were also discussed to ensure product safety, quality, and potential business ventures' profitability.
A total of 52 coconut farmers from the two (2) coconut-producing municipalities completed the training and were delighted with the opportunities in VCO and coconut charcoal briquettes. The VCO is an important ingredient in cooking and in skin care, and in its efficacy in boosting the immune system. The charcoal briquettes, on the other hand, have a high market demand due to the proliferating grilling restaurants.
Resource persons came from the Philippine Coconut Authority and two (2) of ATI-RTC 1’s private partners- the IMA Integrated Farm for VCO production and GOFASTAC for charcoal briquetting.
After-training support such tools and basic equipment for VCO and briquetting were provided to the CFOs to ensure the sustainability of this undertaking. With the newfound knowledge and skills and the support committed to them, they are eager to explore the full potential of coconut as a valuable resource in generating income.
Notably, this capacity building is one of the strategies under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan to contribute in increasing the income of coconut farmers, as well as the creation of jobs and enterprises within the communities.
