SAN ISIDRO, Surigao del Norte – The Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII, in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) – Surigao del Norte, conducted the second batch of Beyond Nuts: Training on the Production of By-Products on September 10–12, 2025, at Ihayas Farm, San Isidro, Surigao del Norte.

Twenty-five coconut farmers from Surigao del Norte participated in a three-day training to enhance their knowledge and skills in coconut processing and value-adding technologies. The activity aimed to strengthen the coconut industry by promoting practical techniques to maximize the potential of coconuts as sources of innovative by-products.

Engr. Ricarte Ebare, owner of Otaw Agricultural Farm located in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, which produces various coconut by-products, served as the resource person. Topics include the methods of producing high-quality products and identifying viable market opportunities to support the development of sustainable agribusinesses. 

Participants were able to produce coconut oil, virgin coconut oil, coconut milk, coconut sugar, coconut flour, coconut syrup, coconut aminos, and coconut vinegar. They also performed oil and milk extraction, de-husking, and cracking techniques.

“This training is a great help for us who are coconut farmers. We realized that coconuts are not only useful for copra, but they also have many other uses that can serve as sources of income,” said Ms. Paciencia Galigao, one of the participants from Esperanza, Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte.

In his message during the closing program, Engr. Matt Andrew Baquiano, Senior Agriculturist, emphasized the importance of shifting perspectives in agriculture. He encouraged the farmers to see farming not only as a livelihood but also as a business filled with opportunities. He encouraged participants to persevere in innovation, invest in value-adding activities, and remain steadfast in their goals to uplift their families and communities.