Talipao, Sulu — The ATI-RTC XII, under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), held a productive training session from August 14-16, 2024, focused on the production of coconut products and by-products for 32 coconut farmers in BARMM. Hosted at the Martabbat Agriculture Cooperative, the training aimed to equip farmers with valuable skills in coconut processing and market preparation.

The program was inaugurated by Engr. Mokles P. Buisan, CFIDP Project Officer and Technical Specialist II, who welcomed participants and encouraged a collaborative and enjoyable learning experience. He provided an overview of the training objectives, emphasizing the potential for economic empowerment within local coconut farming communities.

Resource person Mr. Nurdin A. Laja, Senior Agriculturist at PCA Tawi-Tawi, led sessions on the processing of coconut food products, including techniques for producing virgin coconut oil (VCO) and product labeling. The hands-on approach saw enthusiastic participation from attendees, who practiced VCO production and other value-added processes.

The closing program was attended by PCA-Tawi-Tawi Division Chief Ms. Nur-Aina B. Ingkagan and Martabbat Agriculture Cooperative Chairwoman Annida A. Abduhayang, both of whom expressed steadfast support for the local coconut farming industry in Sulu. The successful training underscored ATI-RTC XII’s ongoing commitment to uplifting coconut farmers in the BARMM region.