BUTUAN CITY – Strengthening the capacity of Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from various local government units in the Caraga Region, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII conducted a five-day Training of Trainers on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Coconut under the Coconut Farmer Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) at Casa Luciana Hotel on September 15–19, 2025.

A total of 24 AEWs participated in the training, which focused on addressing the major pests and diseases that affect the growth and productivity of coconut trees. Other topics included the use of biological control agents, weed management practices, and the importance of insecticide resistance management (IRM).

Resource persons were Mr. Christian Omila, Ms. Ernalyn Colon, and Ms. Ellen Arbiol of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA); Ms. Jiji Espinosa from BPI – Plant Quarantine Services 13; and Ms. Joanne Langres from Caraga State University (CSU).

The training combined theoretical discussions with practical exercises, including a moving exam on pest and disease identification, installation of pheromone traps, and a field visit to a coconut farm in Lusong, Cabadbaran City. During the visit, affected coconut trees were treated appropriately under the supervision of the resource persons.