Angilan, Omar, Sulu — A cohort of 32 farmers successfully completed the third batch of Farmer-Level Training on the Coconut-Coffee System under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) Program from August 12-14, 2024. Hosted at the ALYATIN Coconut Planters Farmers Cooperative, the program focused on enhancing coffee cultivation knowledge and skills among local farmers.

Mr. Saidimar A. Sabud, Chairman of ALYATIN Coconut Planters Farmers Cooperative, warmly welcomed participants, while Engr. Mokles P. Buisan, CFIDP BARMM Alternate Focal Person, provided an overview of the training program’s goals. He highlighted its commitment to increasing income, alleviating poverty, and achieving social equity in farming communities. The training addressed key aspects of coffee farming, including coffee variety distinctions, optimal planting techniques, strategic spacing for growth, and best practices in coffee harvesting.

Discussions were led by Mr. Engking J. Zakilan, Municipal Market Officer of Omar, who covered coffee’s history, market potential, propagation methods, plantation management, and harvesting techniques. Additionally, Mr. Farhan M. Hasan, Municipal Market Officer of Indanan, Sulu, elaborated on the costs and returns associated with coffee production, helping farmers understand the economic aspects of their craft.

Supported by agencies like PCA-Sulu, represented by Mr. Alfahar S. Saiddi, and MAFAR-Sulu, represented by Zakilan and Hasan, alongside ATI-RTC-XII under OIC-Center Director Shirley L. Beldia, this initiative empowers local farmers to turn coffee cultivation into a profitable venture. Facilitators included Mokles P. Buisan, Training Specialist II; Mubarak M. H. Salik, CFIDP Technical Staff; and Merzaq A. Ulama, Admin Support Staff.