The Agricultural Training InstituteโCentral Luzon (ATI-CL), in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)-Bataan, successfully conducted the Training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for Coconut Production (Batch 2) from June 9 to 11, 2026, in Tala, Orani, Bataan, equipping local coconut farmers with essential knowledge and practical skills to improve farm productivity and profitability.
The three-day training gathered 25 coconut farmers from various associations and cooperatives across Bataan. The activity aimed to strengthen participantsโ capacities in coconut farm management through updated technologies, sustainable farming practices, and industry-based approaches that support increased productivity and income.
Throughout the training, participants attended learning sessions on the current situation of the coconut industry and the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), coconut production and management, coconut plantation management and nursery establishment, farm diversification, economics of coconut production, coconut harvesting, and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).
The sessions were facilitated by Dodie I. Oclarino, Agriculturist II from PCA-Bataan; Kimberly T. Miguel and Rannel S. Cruz, Technical Support Staff IV from ATI-CL; and Anjalanie P. Cabornay, Agricultural Technologist from the Municipal Agriculture Office of Pilar, Bataan.
To complement the classroom discussions, participants took part in site visits and hands-on activities at Luis Nate Resort. The practical exercises focused on nursery establishment, farm layout, fertilizer application for fruit-bearing coconut trees, estimating palm productivity, and learning about farm practices implemented in compliance with GAP standards through an interview with farm owner, Luis N. Nate.
โNagpapasalamat po ako sa ganitong pagkakataon at nabibigyan ninyo kami ng kaalaman bilang mga magsasaka. Bilang isang first-timer sa training, napakaganda po pala ng magiging epekto nito sa akin. Matagal na po akong magniniyog, at malaking tulong po ito upang mas mahikayat ko pa ang iba ko pong mga kasamahan na matuto at magpatupad ng mas mahusay na pamamaraan sa pagsasaka ng niyog,โ Edgardo C. De Guzman of the Palili Coconut Farmers Association, expressed his appreciation for the training and the opportunities it provides coconut farmers.
The training concluded with a closing message from Dr. Emmanuel L. Orogo, OIC Center Director of ATI-CL, who encouraged participants to apply the knowledge and skills they acquired in their respective farms and share these learnings with fellow coconut farmers in their communities.
The successful conduct of the training reflects the continued commitment of ATI-CL and its partner agencies to empower coconut farmers through capacity-building initiatives that promote sustainable agriculture, improved productivity, and enhanced quality of coconut production in the province.
Written by: Kimberly T. Miguel
