BUTUAN CITY –A total of twenty-six (26) participants, including agricultural extension workers (AEWs) and staff from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), completed a five-day training of trainers on integrated pest management (IPM) of coconut pests and diseases. The training was held on May 6–10, 2024, at Balangay Hall, Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII, Los Angeles, Butuan City.

Violeta Laguna, OIC-Assistant Center Director, gave her welcome remarks emphasizing the Institute’s strong support for the training under the Coconut Industry and Development Program. Moreover, Regional Manager Joel Oclarit of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) also gave his message to the participants, encouraging them to work together as partners in this initiative and highlighting the key role in helping coconut farmers manage pests and diseases.

The resource persons include Joanne Langres from Caraga State University; Cristian Omila and Jandy Montreal from PCA 13; and Danilo S. Negre from the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Caraga.

The participants were equipped with skills to identify and manage various pests and diseases affecting the coconut crops. It combined theoretical lectures with practical field exercises, allowing the participants to diagnose and tackle real-world challenges.

Moreover, the agriculturist participants earned 17 units of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and 5 units of Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering, contributing to their professional advancement and certification needs.