Tagbina, Surigao del Sur - A total of twenty-six (26) coconut farmers from various provinces in the Caraga Region participated in the Training on Integrated Coconut-Chicken Production: “Kumikitang Patok sa Pag-aalaga ng Manok” conducted on September 22-24, 2025, in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur.

The activity was organized by the ATI-RTC XIII, in collaboration with partner agencies, namely the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)-Caraga, the DA-Tagbina Research and Experiment Station, and Caraga State University (CSU). It aimed to enhance the farmers’ knowledge and skills on integrated coconut-based farming systems.

Ms. Ruby S. Tamparong, PDO I of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), presented the CFIDP Overview and outlined the major economic opportunities available in coconut–native chicken integration. Mr. Algen Joy Moceno Aparece, Science Research Specialist I of the DA-Tagbina Research and Experiment Station discussed the status and trends of the industry, record keeping, and the cost and return analysis including the science of egg incubation.

Mr. Melchor Alvarado, DA-Tagbina RES’s Science Research Assistant discussed poultry management such as breeds and breeding, feeds and feeding practices, egg production, and the science of egg incubation. Prof. Tomas M. Austral, Ph.D., Professor IV and Project Leader of the Caraga Black Native Chicken Project at Caraga State University, gave a lecture on Caraga Black Native Chicken Production and Management from housing design, feeding management, health and biosecurity measures, and the integration of native chicken with coconut farming including the unique qualities of the black chicken, known locally as “Patani.”

The third day was allotted for field exposure at the DA-Tagbina Research and Experiment Station, where participants engaged in hands-on activities like accurate chicken handling, egg candling, and record-keeping demonstrations. They also observed the housing and feeding systems, incubation facilities, and health management procedures for poultry.

Furthermore, as part of the training support, the DA-Tagbina Research and Experiment Station (RES) gave each participant a starter kit with ten (10) 30-day-old chicks on the final day of the activity.