LOS ANGELES, Butuan City- Twenty-two (22) Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) throughout the region completed the coconut specialists training course conducted by the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII on May 2-12, 2023 at the Balangay Hall, ATI Training Center, Los Angeles, Butuan City.
The training aims to capacitate and equip the participants’ knowledge and skills on various steps, processes, and theories related to coconut production management and value-adding. Also, to develop a core of regional facilitators who will assist in implementing the different training activities under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Program (CFIDP).
OIC-Center Director Dr. Jessie V. Beldia, welcomed the participants and encouraged them to enjoy the 11-day training. Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Region 13Manager of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Region 13, highlighted the potential of the coconut industry in the region; he shared the brief history of the coco levy fund before it became CFIDP. He then assured that the participants who finished the CST training will receive a dwarf coconut seedling.
Activities during the training included preparatory activities in coconut production, coconut plantation management, harvesting and post-harvesting, and economic status. The speakers also discussed communication in extension, transformational leadership, and social preparation to help the participants become effective trainers. Hence, they experienced the micro-teaching activity to help enhance their presentation and facilitation skills.
Participants also underwent field practicum to apply the coconut theories during the discussion. They developed farm plans and established coconut nurseries at Brgy. Taguibo in Butuan City. They performed soil and leaf sampling, identification of coconut insect pests and diseases, fertilized fruiting coconut farms, installed long traps for the rhinoceros beetles, and crafted re-entry plans for their localities.
The Partnership and Accreditation Services Section (PASS) spearheaded the training, with Mary Jane Gonzaga, Development Management Officer II, as Project Officer.
