The Agricultural Training Institute - Regional Training Center XII (ATI-RTC-XII) successfully concluded its third batch of Farmer-Level Training on Coconut Integrated Pest Management in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) from September 24-26, 2024. Held at Brgy. Luuk Pandan, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi Province, the training was part of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) initiative aimed at strengthening coconut farming practices in the region.
The program began with a warm welcome from Alternate CFIDP focal person, Engr. Mokles P. Buisan, who encouraged the 30 participants to actively engage in the learning process over the three-day training. He provided an overview of the CFIDP Program, emphasizing its mission to support sustainable coconut farming and pest management. CFIDP Technical Staff, Merzaq A. Ulama, acknowledged the participants from different areas, underscoring the significance of their involvement in advancing coconut farming.
Senior Agriculturist Mr. Nurdin A. Laja from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Tawi-Tawi served as the resource person, delivering comprehensive sessions on coconut production. His lectures covered essential topics, including coconut morphology, physiology, varietal selection, pest and disease management, intercropping, and effective planting techniques. Participants gained valuable insights on how to optimize coconut growth while minimizing pest infestations—a key challenge for many local farmers.
On the final day, Nur-aina B. Ingkagan, PCA Division Chief, addressed the attendees, extending her support and hopes for the farmers’ increased engagement in agriculture. She also expressed gratitude for their commitment to the training and congratulated them on their active participation and successful completion of the program.
The training was facilitated by a dedicated team from ATI-RTC-XII, including Engr. Mokles P. Buisan, Training Specialist II, Mubarak M. H. Salik, and CFIDP Technical Staff, Merzaq A. Ulama. The program marks another step toward bolstering agricultural knowledge and practices for coconut farmers in BARMM, contributing to the development of a resilient and productive coconut industry in the region.
