DAVAO CITY—To empower farmer cooperators and Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) with knowledge and skills on coconut production, ATI-RTC XI, in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) XI, conducted a Training of Trainers (TOT) on Coconut Production at PCA Compound in Bago Oshiro, Tugbok District, Davao City on March 17-21, 2025.

A total of 20 coconut-based Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSA) cooperators and five AEWs in the region participated in the training.

The participants engaged in various discussions on the current state of the Philippine coconut industry, different coconut varieties and their economic value, coconut physiology, nursery and plantation management, productivity and pest management, coconut insects and diseases with their corresponding control measures, processing and value addition, and food safety and its compliance to agricultural standards.

As an application of their learnings, participants were exposed to practical hands-on experiences such as coconut emasculation, and pollination as part of the hybridization program, followed by field lay-outing and planting as part of the farm establishment.

Participants attended lectures and practical sessions on soft skills for teaching coconut production. Topics included extension principles, approaches, and methods, as well as communication and facilitation skills.

During the opening program, the PCA XI Regional Manager III, Ms. Juvy T. Alayon welcomed the participants. She emphasized that learning is a collaborative and dynamic process. She said, "Knowledge and skills are gained not just from theoretical discussions but also from sharing experiences and best practices from your respective fields."

Resource persons for the training were Mr. Richel E. Zamora, Mr. Bendaim Lerz F. Cachuela, and Ms. Ruby Jane P. Bentiroso from ATI-RTC XI. Also,

Ms. Juvy T. Alayon, Mr. Willy A. Mercullo Jr. Mr. John Levy E. Ramientos, Ms. Belinda M. De Chavez, Ms. Rhoieliza E. Recla, Ms. Thesalee Mae E. Poradas, and Ms. Esmie C. Ignacio from PCA XI.

This initiative is under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).