Geared towards empowering coconut farmers to become more productive in farming, the Agricultural Training Institute , Regional Training Center 1 (ATI-RTC 1), Department of Agriculture- Regional Field Office (DA-RFO), and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) implemented the second batch of the Training Course on Coconut-Coffee Farming System on August 6-8, 2024 at ATI-RTC 1, Tebag East, Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan. The training aims to bolster their knowledge, skills, and attitude in the production and management technologies and practices in coconut-coffee integration and the economic opportunities of this farming system.
The three-day training was completed by 26 members of different Coconut Farmers Organization, to include Luyan Mapandan Farmers Organization, Pangasinan Farmers Agricultural Cooperative, and Lacong Namnama Coconut Farmers Organizations of San Gabriel, La Union. These organizations are beneficiaries of coconut and coffee planting materials of PCA and DA-RFO 1.
Through lectures, discussions, workshops, and field activities, the participants were provided with principles and experience-based learning towards an informed decisions and greater success in their agricultural ventures.
Together with the LGU-DA of Bugallon, Pangasinan, the participants carried out the hands-on activity at Coffee Farm in Bugallon, Pangasinan, led by the resource person, Mr. David John P. Rondal of DA-RFO 1. The field practicum include pruning, rooted cutting, cleaning, suckering, and grafting. Furthermore, the resource person from PCA, Mr. James Mark R. Agra provided proper guidance and assistance in managing coconuts appropriately.
The Center is optimistic that the trained coconut farmers will impart their newly gained knowledge and skills on basic production and management technologies and practices among members of their organizations and coconut and coffee community.
