HINATUAN, Surigao del Sur - “Dako kaayo akong nakat-unan niini nga training, labi na sa paghimo og coconut products ug by-products,” (“I learned a lot from this training, especially in making coconut products and by-products”), shared Reynaldo B. Miano from Lingig, Surigao del Sur, expressing his appreciation for the opportunity to learn and apply new skills.

The Agricultural Training Institute–Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) conducted a three-day Training on Production of Coconut Products and By-products (Batch 1) from April 21 to 23, 2026, at the OTAW Agricultural Farm in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, with 38 coconut farmer participants.

Engr. Jessiel Faye G. Lee and Engr. Jona M. Sordilla, technical staff of ATI-RTC XIIII, facilitated the training.  Engr. Ricarte G. Ebare, LSA cooperator and farm owner, served as resource person. The training aimed to enhance farmers’ knowledge and skills in coconut processing and value-adding to increase income opportunities.

Participants learned about coconut production opportunities, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and the processing of various products such as virgin coconut oil, coco sugar, coconut flour, syrup, and coco aminos. They also gained skills in costing and profitability analysis.

The training included hands-on activities that strengthened participants’ confidence in producing quality coconut-based products while following proper standards. They were also guided in preparing re-entry plans to apply and share their learnings in their communities.