The Agricultural Training Institute-Central Luzon (ATI-CL), in partnership with Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)-Aurora, conducted the Training on Coconut Hybridization and Nursery Management (Batch 2) from June 8-13, 2025 at Aurora Provincial Coconut Development Center (APCDC), Dinalungan, Aurora.
Ms. Warren A. Velasco, Agriculturist II of PCA-Aurora, equipped the participants with the importance of hybridization and how will it help them to have better production. Meanwhile, Mr. Louie L. Ungriano, Agriculturist/Area Coordinator of San Luis and Dingalan, Aurora, gave his message of support. Further,Ms. Kimberly T. Miguel, TSS IV/Project Officer, presented the overview of the training.
In addition, Ms. Velasco discussed the Overview of Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) and the Coconut Industry in the Philippines. Moreover, Ms. Nikitah E. Danay, Agriculturist of PCA-Aurora, delivered the Introduction to Coconut Production and Coconut Hybrid Farm Management Practices.
Furthermore, Mr. Aien Rhey P. Padua, also an Agriculturist of PCA-Aurora, discussed the Nursery Establishment and Diversification of Coconut-based Farming while Mr. Ungriano shared the Proper Maintenance of Seednuts and Seedlings in the Nursery.
Additionally, field demonstration and hands-on activities on field lay-out and planting, fertilizer application, pest and disease identification, emasculation, pollination, seednut selection, seedbed preparation, and seednut sowing were also done.
With multiple advantages compared with the traditional tall and dwarf coconut varieties, hybrid coconut offers farmers better production and more sustainable farming practices.
Moreover, twenty-six (26) coconut farmers from Central Aurora participated in the said training, which is conducted in support to the Republic Act 11524 known as Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act under the program component 3: Hybridization.
Written by: Kimberly T. Miguelย
