The Agricultural Training Institute- Central Luzon (ATI-CL) conducted a five-day "Training on Processing of Coconut Products and By-Products 2” under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) at Barangay Marikit, Casiguran, Aurora, on July 22-26, 2024.
The training aimed to equip coconut farmers with practical skills in processing various food products and by-products from coconuts, also explored opportunities in coconut farming by learning how to produce value-added products, which could help boost their income and ensure its long-term stability.
Furthermore, resource persons from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)-Aurora, assisted the participants and offered insightful commentary during lecture sessions.
Ms. Fria B. Soriano, ATI-CL Staff, discussed the Good Management Practices (GMP) in the production of coconut products and by-products. Business Counselors from the DTI-Negosyo Center in Dinalungan and DTI-Negosyo Center in Casiguran also took part in the training wherein they talked about product development that is important in starting a business.
Additionally, Mr. Gilbert C. Galicia, a coconut practitioner, shared his expertise in coconut processing and guided the farmers during their hands-on activities for three consecutive days.
Twenty-one coconut products and by-products were successfully made, packaged, and labeled including different coconut products.
Moreover, Ms. Hazel Joy F. Daramas, a young coconut farmer said, “nakakatuwa po dahil nabigyan po ng opportunities ang mga kabataan na tulad ko na maka-attend sa training na ito patungkol sa coconut. Kung kami man po ay makakapagsimula ng negosyo sa paggawa ng mga by-products mula sa coconut, talagang malaking tulong po.”
The five-day training concluded with new knowledge and a renewed commitment to enhance their skills in processing of coconut products and by-products.
A total of 21 coconut farmers from different associations, including the Samahang Bantay Kalikasan ng Casiguran Aurora (SABAKAC), Calabgan Coconut Farmers Association (CACOFA), Barangay Bianoan Casiguran Aurora Farmers Association (BBCAFA), and Bianoan Coconut Upland Farmers Association (BCUFA), participated in the training.
