HINATUAN, Surigao del Sur - Twenty-five coconut farmers from Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, and Surigao del Sur completed the “Training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for Coconut Batch 3” conducted by the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII from May 18–20, 2026 at the Amparitas Integrated Natural Farm.
The three-day training aimed to strengthen the participants’ knowledge and skills in coconut production technologies and Good Agricultural Practices to improve farm productivity, sustainability, and product quality. Discussions covered the current status of the coconut industry, the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), coconut physiology and morphology, plantation management, pest and disease management, harvesting and post-harvest handling, farm diversification, and the GAP certification process.
Ms. Luz Brenda P. Balibrea of the Philippine Coconut Authority served as one of the resource persons during the activity. She discussed key topics including the Coconut Industry Situationer, CFIDP overview, coconut morphology and physiology, and the importance of GAP certification in ensuring food safety and maintaining quality coconut products and by-products. Engr. Ramon R. Barbosa, owner of Amparitas Integrated Natural Farm, also shared his expertise on Integrated Pest Management and the significance of RA 8048 or the Coconut Preservation Act.
To further enhance learning, the participants engaged in hands-on field activities on coconut plantation layout planning and proper field spacing. They also participated in a mock GAP inspection where they practiced identifying farm conditions and presenting inspection findings based on GAP standards.
One participant, Hennie Rose J. Pangamban from Bacuag, Surigao del Norte, expressed appreciation for the training, noting that the discussions were clearly delivered and highly relevant to coconut farming communities. She shared that the activity not only expanded their knowledge on Good Agricultural Practices but also inspired participants to become more productive and responsible coconut farmers.
