CANTILAN, Surigao del Sur – Thirty-four coconut farmers, 4-H Club members, Rural Improvement Club members, and local entrepreneurs actively participated during the three-day Glow with Coco: Training on Coconut and Coconut By-Products held at LVSR Integrated Diversified Coconut Farm on August 6-8, 2025.

The training, conducted under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), aimed to equip the participants with the technical knowledge and skills on coconut-based cosmetic products and unlock their entrepreneurial skills on the potential of coconut in the health, beauty, and agribusiness sectors.

OIC-Center Director Noemi Beth Macario encouraged participants to explore or establish businesses focused on coconut-based products, emphasizing the immense potential of the ‘tree of life’ in creating profitable enterprises. She shared practical strategies on effective business management, ranging from careful planning and cost control to market positioning, stressing that lasting success lies in blending innovation with disciplined management.

Lectures were conducted by Mr. Dino Adan B. Adormeo of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) – Surigao del Sur, Mr. Lix B. Modina from Caraga State University, Mr. Elmer O. Penados from the Department of Trade and Industry – Negosyo Center, and Ms. Krista Czarmaine Orozco of LVSR Farm. Further, participants were able to produce soaps, massage oil, lip balm, cracked heel creams, eye creams, coconut candy, pancakes, and pizza dough using VCO and other coconut derivatives during their hands-on activities.

“This seminar inspires us to create, not just to consume; to share, not just sell; and to remember that the greatest innovations grow from kindness, generosity, and selfless hearts to share the ideas and knowledge,” said Isai Diamante, who is one of the participants and a member of the 4-H Club in Caraga.