The inaugural Coco Asenso Techno Forum and Exhibit drew 100 coconut farmers from various regions to Villa Amor in Koronadal City, South Cotabato on August 15-16, 2024. This two-day event provided an interactive platform for farmers to connect with industry experts, exchange ideas, and gain valuable insights into sustainable coconut farming practices.

The forum commenced with an opening program led by ATI-RTC XII OIC-Center Director, Shirley L. Beldia, along with Lester Jake Dela Cerna, representative for PCA-BARMM's Acting Regional Manager. Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Vivien Nacion, Sustainable Manager at Cargill Oil Mills Phils. Inc., shared insights into White Copra Quality Processing. Dennis Rubiato, owner of Makarios Farm & Food Processing, led a hands-on demonstration on the production of coconut-based products, while PCA-NCSPC’s Division Chief I, Arnel P. Toraja, provided an in-depth talk on hybrid coconut varieties.

On the second day, participants learned about coco-based organic materials for biomass through sessions with Rasul Piang from PCA-Maguindanao and Silo Makalangkong of BADAK MPC. The GIZ Philippines - Coco Alliance Project team also conducted a session focused on Coconut Farming as an Enterprise, helping farmers explore avenues to turn coconut cultivation into a profitable business model.

The Coco Asenso Techno Forum and Exhibit aims to promote innovation and collaboration within the coconut industry, empowering farmers with the knowledge and resources to improve productivity and profitability in coconut farming. Through events like these, ATI-RTC XII and its partners continue to support sustainable agricultural development, driving positive change in the rural communities of the BARMM region and beyond.