The Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center XII (ATI-RTC XII), under its Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), recently commenced the Long Season Farmer-Level Training on Coco-Based Farm Business School for multiple batches in BARMM. This initiative covers Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and Lanao del Sur, while Batch 3 is being conducted in Tawi-Tawi. The training is designed to enhance the entrepreneurial skills of coconut farmers, focusing on effective business decision-making and maximizing coconut production for sustained profitability.

Key government officials joined the launch event, underscoring the importance of empowering coconut farmers with solid business skills. Attendees included Abdul Aziz A. Guiaman, Division Chief I of PCA-Maguindanao; Khadaffy S. Gubaten, Division Chief I of PCA-Lanao del Sur; MAFAR Municipal Officer Engr. Fahmi U. Acob of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte; Dr. Modrika A. Masukat, MAFAR Municipal Officer of Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur; and Haphisa S. Dipatuan, MAFAR Municipal Officer of Malabang, Lanao del Sur. The program overview was provided by Engr. Mokles P. Buisan, Alternate CFIDP BARMM Focal Person and Training Specialist II, who highlighted the program’s role in fostering informed, knowledge-based decisions for farmers’ long-term success.

Additionally, ATI-RTC XII successfully concluded a specialized Training on Coconut Nursery Management for Hybrid Seedling Production. This training, facilitated in partnership with MAFAR Maguindanao del Norte and PCA Maguindanao, featured expert guidance from Agriculturist II Muslimen A. Abdulrahman and Acting Senior Agriculturist Wahida S. Dampas. Their support and expertise were instrumental in equipping participants with essential skills for efficient nursery management and hybrid seedling production, further advancing the CFIDP’s goal of empowering the coconut farming sector across the region.