PROSPERIDAD, AGUSAN DEL SUR — A three-day training on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Coconut was conducted on August 6–8, 2025, benefiting coconut farmers across the Caraga Region. The training aimed to strengthen farmers’ capacity to prevent and control pests and diseases that threaten coconut production, ensuring healthier plantations and sustainable livelihoods.

The activity was spearheaded by the Agricultural Training Institute –Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), in close collaboration with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Agusan del Sur. The sessions were held at Farmersinn, Poblacion, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, gathering a total of 35 coconut farmers who actively participated in both lectures and practical field activities.

Resource persons were Joanne Langres from Caraga State University; Jolly Poras, Angelie Marilou Esguerra, and Jandyl Mondreal from PCA; and Ryan Ramos from the Bureau of Plant Industry. They shared their knowledge on the fundamentals of IPM, pest and disease management, and sustainable control methods. The discussions highlighted the importance of recognizing major insect pests and diseases, understanding their life cycles, and applying effective yet environment-friendly approaches in controlling their spread.

The training conducted its a hands-on practicum in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur. During this activity, participants learned how to establish log traps and use biological control agents such as green muscardine fungus to manage coconut pests like the rhinoceros beetle. They were also guided in the collection and identification of insect pests, providing them with direct exposure to monitoring techniques crucial for early detection and pest control.