Fri, 05/09/2025 - 14:26

PATIKUL, Sulu – The first batch of the Farmer-Level Training on the Coconut-Coffee System under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) was successfully conducted from May 7 to 9, 2025 at the Capitol Site, Bangkal, Patikul. This initiative, spearheaded by the ATI-RTC XII in collaboration with regional partners, gathered 30 local farmers to strengthen their knowledge and capacity in sustainable and profitable coffee production.

The event opened with a warm welcome from Ms. Virginia P. Arreza, Provincial Agriculturist of OPAg-Sulu, who commended the commitment of the participants and emphasized the training’s role in enhancing livelihood opportunities in the province. Mr. Mokles P. Buisan, Alternate Focal Person for CFIDP BARMM, provided an overview of the training objectives, focusing on increasing farmers’ income, reducing poverty, and promoting social equity through the integrated coconut-coffee farming system.

An inspirational message was shared by Mr. Nurdin A. Laja, Senior Agriculturist of PCA-Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, who reminded participants to value and apply the knowledge gained for the development of their farms and communities.

The comprehensive three-day course tackled key topics in coffee production, including the identification of coffee varieties, proper propagation methods, ideal spacing, plantation management, harvesting practices, and the economics of coffee production. Mr. Engking J. Zakilan, MMO of MAFAR-Omar, led technical sessions on coffee history, market dynamics, and cultivation practices, while Mr. Farhan M. Hasan, MMO of Indanan, discussed the cost and return analysis in coffee farming.

The training concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Mudjayana H. Hadjail of OPAg-Sulu, who congratulated the participants and encouraged them to apply their new skills toward building a thriving coffee industry in Sulu.

Facilitated by Mr. Mokles P. Buisan and Mr. Merzaq A. Ulama, this CFIDP initiative aims to transform coffee cultivation into a viable livelihood option for coconut farmers in BARMM, promoting resilience and long-term economic development in the region.


 

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