From August 5-7, 2024, ATI-RTC XII under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) held its first batch of training on producing coconut products and by-products for coconut farmers in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Thirty enthusiastic participants gathered at Haro Farm Agriculture Cooperative in Brgy. Cahera, Marogong, Lanao del Sur, to expand their knowledge and skills in coconut processing.

The program opened with Project Officer Engr. Mokles P. Buisan’s warm welcome. Encouraging the participants to learn, enjoy, and form connections, Engr. Buisan also shared the training objectives, underscoring the potential of value-added coconut products. Resource person Ms. Sittie Yaneza H. Hadji Socor led discussions on processing methods for coconut food products, focusing on virgin coconut oil (VCO) and effective product labeling strategies.

Participants engaged in hands-on activities facilitated by Haro Farm Agriculture Cooperative, directed by Ms. Anisa H. Socor. They demonstrated their creativity in transforming coconut shells into crafts, designing product logos, and refining their skills in VCO production, along with other by-products.

The training concluded with a message of support from Mr. Khadaffy S. Gubaten, Division Chief of the Philippine Coconut Authority - Lanao Del Sur, and Johanisah D. Didatun of MAFAR Marogong-Lanao Del Sur, both reinforcing their commitment to uplifting local coconut farmers in Lanao Del Sur.