PAGALUNGAN, Maguindanao – The Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center XII (ATI-RTC XII) successfully conducted the second batch of the Training on the Production of Coconut Products and By-Products under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) last May 14–16, 2025, at the Municipal Hall of Pagalungan. The three-day activity catered to 30 coconut farmers from the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The event commenced with a warm welcome from Ms. Ruzna P. Matucan, Municipal Market Officer of MAFAR-Pagalungan, who set a hospitable and enthusiastic tone for the program. She emphasized the value of the training in enhancing livelihoods and supporting local agricultural industries. Engr. Mokles P. Buisan, Alternate Focal Person for CFIDP-BARMM, introduced the program’s objectives, encouraging participants to actively learn, engage, and connect with fellow farmers throughout the training.
Mr. Alshamir J. Pangilayan and Mr. Muslimin A. Abdulrahman served as the main resource persons, sharing in-depth knowledge on the processing of virgin coconut oil (VCO) and other coconut by-products. Their lectures included essential practices such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for both food and non-food coconut-based products.
The hands-on sessions proved to be the highlight of the training, as participants eagerly took part in the actual preparation of VCO, vinegar, and coconut-based burger patties, guided by the resource persons. This experiential learning allowed farmers to gain confidence and competence in producing market-ready coconut products.
The training concluded with a message of encouragement and congratulations from Ms. Matucan, who commended the participants’ enthusiasm and emphasized the importance of applying their newfound knowledge to enhance their farm enterprises and community livelihoods.