MALITA, DAVAO OCCIDENTAL–In its effort to equip the National Coconut Farmers Registry System (NCFRS) registered farmers with essential skills in nursery establishment, management, and accreditation, ATI-RTC XI, in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) XI, successfully conducted training at Upper Malaway, Barangay Kinangan, Malita, Davao Occidental last March 24 to 26, 2025.
Thirty coconut farmers from three key cooperatives in Brgy. Kinangan from the Malaway Farmers Marketing Cooperative (MAFAMCO), the KIFA Marketing Cooperative, and the Kinangan Farmers Marketing Cooperative (KIFARMACO) completed the training, with 10 participants from each cooperative.
During the training, resource persons from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) XI and related agencies shared vital knowledge and guidelines to improve participants' competencies in nursery establishment, plant propagation, and accreditation.
One of the resource persons, Mr. Virgilio L. Loquias, discussed the guidelines for establishing budwood gardens and scion groves, as well as nursery establishment and management. He also facilitated a practicum on sexual propagation, where participants were given hands-on training in grafting and inarching using available plant materials such as durian.
“Kung mag-establish og nursery, kinahanglan nga sutaon ang tanan – ang lugar, duol sa kalsada, good sunlight exposure, level ang area, dili mabahaan, ug adunay maayong supply sa tubig. Mga 6 months old ang seedling, pwede na siya sumpayan. Ug kung magbisbis sa mga seedling sa nursery, himoon sa buntag, dili sa gabii, aron dili ma-expose sa fungal infection,” said Mr. Loquias.
Ms. Merceni P. Araño, Agriculturist II from BPI–NSQCS XI, presented the guidelines on plant nursery accreditation for both government and private plant nursery operators. She emphasized the essential requirements for nursery accreditation to ensure compliance with industry standards.
“Para ma-accredit ang usa ka nursery, kinahanglan nga magpasa og letter of intent, naka-attend og training nga sama ani, naa na jud kay established nursery, nay mga 1,000 ka seedling nga wala pa masumpayi, ug naka-apply na ka for certification of at least 5 ka registered mother tree per crop,” Ms. Araño stated.
Meanwhile, Ms. Rosalinda P. Aratan discussed the revised guidelines for certifying the mother trees and planting materials of fruit trees and plantation crops, as outlined in Memorandum Circular No. 1.
“Ang MC No. 1 nagpa-abot nga sa pag-establisar og nursery, kinahanglan adunay certified mother tree at least 5 per crop basis kay mao kini ang tinubdan o kuhaanan og mga scion nga maoy isumpay sa root stock. Sa pagkuha og igsusumpay, kinahanglan sa presence sa PMI nga taga NSQCS ug sa pagsumpay niini ngadto sa root stock. Kung liso, the same ra ang proseso,” Ms. Aratan shared.
Moreover, Mr. Rafael G. Nemenzo introduced the Manual of Operations/Procedures of Plant Nurseries and explained its importance as a guiding document for nursery operations.
“Unsa ang gikinahanglan para ma-accredit ang usa ka nursery operator, adunay manual of operation/procedure nga maoy sumbanan sa operasyon sa maong nursery gikan sa pagpatubo sa liso hangtud nga kini mabaligya, apil na ang pag-atiman sa mother trees,” said Mr. Nemenzo.
Through a mix of lectures, hands-on sessions, and expert sharing, participants gained confidence in nursery operations, propagation techniques, certification, and operational standards—key components in producing quality planting materials and ensuring accreditation under the BPI’s guidelines, documentation for its accreditation, and sustainable nursery practices that meet regulatory and market demands.
This newfound expertise has not only strengthened their agri-enterprises but also contributed to the overall resilience and productivity of the coconut sector. The training not only supports the sustainable growth of the coconut industry but also empowers farmers to become key players in producing certified planting materials and strengthening local agri-enterprises. Through this, they are now prepared to build and operate nurseries that meet national quality standards.
Present during the training were Ms. Abier Jean, Community Development Organizer of PCA–Davao Occidental; Ms. Ofelia A. Sanchez, Training Specialist III of ATI-RTC XI and Project Officer of the said training; Ms. Mariza M. Mating, Technical Support Staff IV; and Ms. Catherine Balmores, Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan-Administrative Staff IV. These personnel played key roles in facilitating and overseeing the entire duration of the training.
ATI firmly believes that setting strong roots today could cultivate a more resilient and productive tomorrow.
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Contributor: Mariza M. Mating
