Cagayan de Oro City---During the recently concluded 1st Techno Gabay Program sa Coconut Summit, held at SM Downtown in Cagayan de Oro City, participants engaged in a transformative experience aimed at enhancing the coconut industry. The summit with the theme “Coco Connect: Collaboration, Innovation, and Sustainability Towards a Vibrant Coconut Industry”, provided a platform for coconut farmers and entrepreneurs to gain valuable insights.
Attendees actively participated by jotting down notes, listening attentively, and seeking vital information from industry experts. This interactive approach not only educated the farmers but also left them feeling motivated to embark on new business ventures. The event highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in fostering a sustainable coconut industry, equipping participants with the knowledge and tools necessary for success in their agricultural endeavors.
“Diha lang sa atong mga exhibit post, we can see already the different products that can benefit not only the coconut farmers but also the different value chain actors of the coconut products. We are here, of course, to promote these products for the benefit not only of the public but likewise with the producers, the coconut producers themselves, and the processors,” said ATI National Director Remelyn R. Recoter.
Resource persons Val Nino A. Batistil of Val Mardens Coconut and Livestock Integrated Farm, Jose Michael Alvarez of Maricz Integrated Farm, Julie An P. Alvarez of SiakeAn's Integrated Farm, Karem A. Palmes, CPA and the Project Component Leader of MSUN ATBI, and Regina Mae S. Rizon of La Regina Coconut Products and Manufacturing shared their trade secrets and introduced their respective businesses, specifically on processing their coconut products from August 30 to September 1, 2024.
Alvarez, an architect who ventured into farming urged the participants to think of a business after they got home. She eagerly shared with the participants and anticipates that next time, they will be the ones exhibiting their products and doing the hands-on demo, like the demo she did on how to make their organic hot and spicy coconut vinegar, one of their bestselling products on their farm.
Meanwhile, registered nurse turned coconut entrepreneur Rizon focused on the sustainability of making various products with coconuts. She even shared with the local coconut farmers to make money on coconut as she declared “Naay kwarta sa lubi".
The event emphasizes the Techno Gabay Program (TGP) which aims to promote technology dissemination, provide utilization guides, and facilitate knowledge sharing among extension workers and farmers. Center Director Maria Lydia A. Echavez delivered a closing message to cap off the summit and coco expo. (written and submitted by: Maria Merjure V. Apao, Technical Support Staff)
