Dangcagan, Bukidnon – In a continued effort to strengthen the coconut industry and uplift the livelihood of local farmers, the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center X (ATI-RTC X) conducted a 3-day Training on Good Quality Copra Production and Processing for 30 Coconut farmers on April 15-17, 2026 in Dancagan, Bukidnon.
The participants coming from various coconut farmers association in the Municipality of Damulog Bukidnon namely: Tangkulan Corn Farmers Association (TCFA), Poblacion Damulog Coco Growers Association (PDaCoGA), New Compostela Small Coconut Farmers’ Organization (NCSFO) and Sampagar Small Coconut Farmers (SSCF) actively participated in the training.
A key highlight of the training session was a benchmarking activity at the Philippine Coconut Authority-New Coconut Seed Production Center (PCA-NCSPC) in Aroman, Carmen, Cotabato. During the visit, participants explored PCA’s Kukum Dryer, Pollen Processing Laboratory, and hybrid coconut plantation, gaining firsthand information about proper coconut production and processing.
Participants expressed their appreciation for the training, highlighting its relevance in improving their farming practices and increasing their income potential. Many shared their commitment to applying the technologies learned and cascading the gained knowledge to fellow farmers in their community.
The training aimed to enhance the farmers’ skills in copra production and deepen their knowledge on proper copra processing in accordance with established Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) guidelines.
Ms. Mercy S. Luminso, a participant, said “Nalipay kaayo ko sa akong naagian nga training kay daghan ko’g nakat-unan nga sakto nga pamaagi sa pag-atiman, pagpa-uga, ug pagproseso sa lubi aron makab-ot ang taas nga kalidad sa kopra ug mas dako ang kita sa uma. Daghan kaayong salamat sa ATI sa paghatag niini nga oportunidad ug suporta sa mga mag-uuma sama nako, kay pinaagi niini mas napalig-on ang among kahibalo ug kadasig sa pagpauswag sa industriya sa lubi”.
This training is part of ATI’s continuing commitment to deliver impactful capacity-building activities that drive agricultural development and promote “coco-food security.” More than just a training session, it served as a stepping stone towards a more empowered and resilient coconut farming community. As farmers return to their communities equipped with the knowledge and skill, ATI reaffirms its dedication to nurturing innovation, strengthening livelihoods and steering the coconut sector towards a more productive and sustainable future.
With reports from Karlo Jayvert Cardente
