Fri, 05/16/2025 - 14:52

Kabacan, Cotabato – The Agricultural Training Institute - Regional Training Center XII (ATI-RTC XII) successfully conducted the second batch of the Training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for Coconut Production from May 13 to 15, 2025, at the ATI Satellite Training Center XII located within the USM Compound. The training aimed to enhance participants’ knowledge in coconut farming practices that prioritize product quality, environmental protection, and worker safety.

Participants were welcomed and acknowledged by Ms. Alyssa Marie G. Ilustrisimo, CFIDP Technical IV, who provided an overview of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), emphasizing the government's long-term support for the coconut sector. The technical sessions that followed offered a comprehensive approach to sustainable coconut production, delivered by experts from the Philippine Coconut Authority - New Coconut Seed Production Center (PCA - NCSPC) and the Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) XII.

Key topics included Soil Management, Nutrient Optimization, Water Management, and Irrigation Practices by Division Chief I Sir Arnel P. Toraja, while Sir Roland S. Wacan detailed Pest and Disease Management strategies. Sir Dennis Jay P. Pasaol tackled Harvesting and Post-Harvest Practices, including sustainable methods, reinforcing the importance of efficiency and environmental responsibility in every stage of coconut farming.

The training also featured insights from DA-RFO XII Agriculturists II Ma’am Ruby Ann M. Mojana and Ma’am Aiza Mae N. Godornes, who elaborated on the PhilGAP framework and its certification process, promoting quality assurance as a critical step in market access and compliance.

The three-day training concluded with an encouraging message from Sir John Lord Auman, OIC Chief of the Information Services Section, who urged participants to apply their newfound knowledge in their respective communities. He highlighted the importance of their role in driving the coconut industry's growth and sustainability across Region XII.

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