The Agricultural Training Institute - Central Luzon (ATI-CL) successfully conducted the Techno Klinik 1, highlighting the Good Agricultural Practices on Coconut Production and Management on July 2, 2026 in Sta. Cruz, Zambales.
A total of 25 coconut farmers joined the training, which aimed to improve their knowledge in coconut farming and connect them to government programs that support agriculture and livelihood.
Anabell M. Mary, Agricultural Technologist and HVCDP Coordinator of Sta. Cruz, delivered a message of thanks, appreciating the farmers for their time and presence at the event.
Dame I. Maรฑagas, Agriculturist of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Zambales, discussed the current situation of the coconut industry and provided an overview of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP). He highlighted the significance of registration under the National Coconut Farmers Registry System (NCFRS), which serves as the gateway for farmers to access government assistance programs.
Maรฑagas also explained the requirements and procedures for availing crop insurance through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), emphasizing the importance of protecting farmers against production losses and unforeseen circumstances.
Furthermore, Melcyn S. Tiemsin, Officer-in-Charge of the Marketing and Sales Division of PCIC Region III, presented the agencyโs crop insurance programs. She explained that coconut farms may be insured for up to โฑ70,000 per hectare under standard planting density and stressed the value of insurance in helping farmers recover from damages caused by natural calamities and other risks. Several farmers who had successfully received insurance benefits also shared their positive experiences with the program.
Meanwhile, Franklin M. Macasaquit, DPA, Senior TESD Specialist of TESDA Zambales, introduced the agencyโs agricultural training programs, including Agricultural Crops Production NC II and NC III, Organic Agriculture Production, and future Coconut Production Level II courses. He acknowledged the challenges faced by farmers in accessing training opportunities due to distance and limited resources and expressed TESDAโs commitment to bringing community-based training programs directly to farming communities through partnerships with local government units. Macasaquit encouraged municipalities to collaborate with TESDA to provide more opportunities for farmers to enhance their technical skills and livelihood prospects.
The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office III was represented by Amado M. Dimalaluan, Jr.ย Agriculturist II, who discussed ongoing initiatives under the CFIDP, particularly those focused on coffee and cacao intercropping. He highlighted the agencyโs support for nursery establishment and rejuvenation projects, as well as the provision of quality planting materials to farmers. Dimalaluan noted that substantial funding has been allocated to coffee and cacao development efforts, encouraging coconut farmers to diversify and maximize the productivity of their farms.
Providing insights into agribusiness development, Andy Marc Bactad, Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program-Trade and Industry Development Specialist of DTI Zambales, presented the various programs and services available to farmers and entrepreneurs. These include business consultancy, marketing assistance, product development, packaging and labeling support, financial linkages, and entrepreneurship development. He emphasized the importance of adding value to agricultural products and encouraged farmers to explore opportunities that could increase the marketability and profitability of their produce.
The activity also featured a presentation from Meamette Y. Rosario, Technical Support Staff IV of ATI-CL, who introduced the Coconut Internship Program under Republic Act No. 11524. The program is a 21-month specialized internship designed to encourage youth participation in agriculture and develop future leaders in the coconut industry. Rosario emphasized that with the average age of coconut farmers now at 55 years old, attracting younger generations to agriculture is crucial for the long-term sustainability of the sector.
To conclude the series of technical discussions, Rowena Pastor, Cooperative Development Specialist of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), discussed the requirements and benefits of forming cooperatives under Republic Act No. 9520. She explained the cooperative registration process, organizational requirements, and the Seven Cooperative Principles that guide cooperative operations. Pastor underscored the importance of active participation and commitment among members, noting that strong cooperatives can help farmers improve access to resources, services, and market opportunities.
The activity concluded with an open forum where participants engaged directly with representatives from the various agencies. This activity marked the first of nine batches of the Techno Klinik to be conducted across the provinces of Bataan, Zambales, and Aurora in Central Luzon throughout July.
Written by: Jon Russel E. Leal
