KIBLAWAN, Davao del Sur– To equip local farmers with essential techniques for improving coconut production and revitalizing cacao farms, the ATI-RTC XI successfully conducted a three-day Training on Coconut Production and Cacao Rehabilitation on March 12–14, 2025, at the Nursery Center in Poblacion, Kiblawan.
A total of 32 coconut farmers from the Barangay San Jose Coconut Farmers Association (BASACOFA) and Kisulan Coconut Farmers Association (KICOFA) participated in the training. The sessions provided them with essential knowledge and practical skills in identifying and managing pests and diseases affecting cacao, as well as the importance of proper sanitation and best farm management practices to improve productivity.
Participants also engaged in hands-on activities at Maxshie Integrated Farm (LSA), owned by Maximo R. Sedenio, where they practiced pruning, side grafting, and chupon grafting to rehabilitate cacao trees and enhance their yield.
The training was facilitated by Mr. Richel A. Zamora, Training Specialist II of ATI-RTC XI, and Mr. Jess Ryan F. Roylo, Agriculturist I from the Provincial Agriculture Office-Davao del Sur, who also served as the resource persons.
Key discussions covered the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), the current state of the coconut industry, coconut varieties, farm establishment, cultural management of cacao, insect pest and disease control, and harvest and post-harvest operations.
During the closing program, Municipal Agriculturist Jerlito C. Pascual and Acting Senior Agriculturist Anro P. Masaglang from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)-Davao del Sur expressed their support for the participating farmers, emphasizing the importance of capacity-building initiatives in strengthening the local coconut and cacao industries.
With the successful completion of the training, coconut farmers in Kiblawan are now better prepared to enhance coconut and cacao production, contributing to sustainable agriculture and economic growth in the region.
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Contributor: Cristine A. Perez
