BUTUAN CITY - The Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII, in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), conducted the first batch of Coconut Farmers & Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) Techno Forum on April 16-17, 2024 at Balanghai Hotel Annex Building.

The one-day activity aims to promote awareness, disseminate information, and facilitate knowledge sharing about the CFIDP program among the coconut farmers in the Caraga region. Specifically, it gears to showcase coco-based food and non-food products through exhibits; to provide a platform for open discussions and exchange of ideas during the forum, and to encourage farmers to apply learned technologies and avail programs for increased productivity and income.            

It was participated by 86 individuals composed of 70 coconut farmers who were members or  representatives of farmer associations and cooperatives, 5 agricultural business traders,  and 11 agricultural extension workers (AEWs) in Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Butuan City.

Violeta T. Laguna, ATI OIC-Asst. Center Director, welcomed the participants and thanked them for giving time to attend the forum. Further, she hoped for the participants to enjoy while learning different coconut technologies that will be presented by various resource persons.

Key persons who shared their expertise as speakers were Alfred Val A. BAgnol from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga, Ever Joy Rabadan from the Commission of Higher Education (CHED), Jonnie M. Sacote from the LandBank of the Philippines, Demelyn Gabales from the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), and Miguil Presbetero Jr. from the Wilmar Edible Oils Philippines Incorporated.

Moreover, resource persons from the PCA were Joan Tambor, Ellen Arbiol, Christian Omila, Bobbit Tomarong, and Jell Carphe Tamparong.

PCA Caraga Regional Manager Joel Oclarit was also present in the two-day activity. He led the discussion and question and answer during the open forum.

The said techno forum was spearheaded by the Information Services Section of ATI-RTC XIII.