The Training of Trainers (TOT) on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for Coconut Production officially commenced on April 20, 2026, gathering Agricultural Extension Workers and farmer-leaders from across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Running until April 24, 2026, this intensive five-day capacity-building initiative is designed to equip participants with the advanced pedagogical and technical skills required to advocate for sustainable, safe, and globally competitive coconut production methods. The program represents a core component of the ongoing interventions under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), which focuses on the structural modernization of the coconut sector.

During the opening ceremonies, Engr. Mokles P. Buisan, OIC-Assistant Center Director of ATI-RTC IX and Overall Coordinator of CFIDP BARMM, emphasized that strengthening the technical capacity of grassroots educators is the most effective way to ensure long-term environmental sustainability and broader market access for local farmers. The inaugural day featured a comprehensive lecture on the Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP) framework, delivered by DA-RFO XII Agriculturist II Aiza Mae N. Godornes. She detailed the legal mandates, institutional frameworks, and strict compliance parameters required for formal certification, highlighting how standardized quality assurance acts as a mechanism to build consumer trust and unlock premium supply chains.

As the multi-day training progresses, the agricultural workers and leaders will undergo rigorous modules covering advanced farm management, pest mitigation, and post-harvest optimization. The ultimate objective of the TOT framework is to transform these participants into certified regional trainers capable of independently replicating GAP workshops within their respective municipalities. By establishing a decentralized network of agricultural experts, the program seeks to accelerate the adoption of science-based farming techniques, driving economic resilience and productivity throughout the coconut-producing communities of BARMM.