HINATUAN, Surigao del Sur — In an effort to boost the standards of the local coconut industry, the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center XIII (ATI-RTC XIII), in coordination with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Region XIII, conducted the third batch of the Training on Good Quality Copra Production and Processing from May 13 to 15, 2026.
The training was held at the Amparitas Integrated Natural Farm in Hinatuan, with a total of 25 coconut farmers from Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, and Surigao del Sur.
The pool of experts included Ms. Luz Brenda P. Balibrea, former Division Chief of the Trade and Information and Relations Division at the PCA, alongside Engr. Ramon B. Barbosa, the owner of the host farm and ATI-certified Learning School for Agriculture and Farm School.
Key topics included the importance of producing and maintaining good quality copra and coconut oil, existing regulations on quality standards, the current coconut industry situationer, global market requirements, and the basic features of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Food Safety.
To intensify the learning process, the participants underwent hands-on exercises and field practicum sessions to learn the entire post-harvest value chain. Farmers learned the proper identification of mature coconuts for harvesting, correct dehusking techniques, proper handling of dehusked nuts, and the grading and segregation of quality nuts from defective ones.
The practical application also highlighted precision processing, including splitting, proper piling of copra, and the correct firing process, with emphasis on careful monitoring during intermittent drying periods. Through hands-on exercises, participants gained experience in scooping, segregation, re-drying, bagging, and standardized storage of copra. Engr. Barbosa also discussed various drying methodologies and introduced the participants to his farm’s specialized solar dryer facility.
During the open forum, the participants raised some of their pressing challenges in the field. One of these was the critical gap in market education, noting that local copra buyers remain largely unaware of Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons (MOSH) and Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAH) contaminants. Currently, local buyers prioritize volume over safety standards, which frequently compromises copra quality. Furthermore, they appeal for accessible moisture content equipment and affordable, localized drying facilities tailored for smallholder farmers to help them command better market prices.
The activity was facilitated by Ms. Mary Grace Salve, Media Production Specialist II, and Engr. Jona Sordilla, Technical Staff, both from ATI-Caraga.
