LOAY, Bohol- Mr. Emiliano M. Romero, owner of the Romero Agricultural Farm, a recognized Coconut-Based Learning Site for Agriculture, welcomed the group to his 3.0-hectare farm. A retired employee of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and the President of the Coconut Farmers Association in Region 7, Mr. Romero proudly shared the diversity of his farm. The farm is home to various commodities, including coconut, cacao, saba bananas, coffee, livestock, poultry, rabbits, free-range chickens, hito (catfish), and coconut seedlings. 

Additionally, the farm produces valuable by-products such as coco sugar and bahalina (coconut wine), demonstrating its commitment to sustainable and diversified agriculture.

The group also visited the Philippine Coconut Authority Loay Coconut Demo Farm in Loay, Bohol, which operates a 2.0-hectare site dedicated to the Coconut Hybridization Program and nursery of hybrid seedlings. This government initiative aims to enhance coconut production through the development of high-yielding, disease-resistant hybrids. 

The hybridization process involves cross-pollinating selected parent lines by applying a mixture of 20 grams of pollen and 200 grams of talcum powder to 10-15 mother plants. The optimal time for this application is between 6:00 and 9:00 AM, starting 12-16 days, with a maximum of 21 days, after the opening of the suwak (female flower). This careful breeding process helps improve copra yield and overall coconut farm productivity.

The Coconut Hybridization Program in Loay, Bohol plays a crucial role in boosting the local coconut industry, supporting coconut farmers’ livelihoods, and ensuring long-term sustainability in the agricultural sector.