The Agricultural Training Institute – Central Luzon (ATI-CL), in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) – Bataan, successfully conducted the Training on Coconut-Cacao Farming System – Batch 2 from May 25 to 27, 2026 at Luis Nate Farm Resort in Hermosa, Bataan.
The three-day training was participated by twenty-five (25) coconut farmers from various associations and cooperative in the province of Bataan. The activity aimed to enhance the participants’ knowledge and skills on cacao intercropping under coconut-based farming systems, which is expected to help improve farm productivity and generate additional income opportunities for coconut farming communities.
Topics discussed during the training included the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), Cacao Production Technology, Harvest and Post-Harvest Practices, Coconut-based Farming System, and the Economics of Coconut-Cacao Farming System. Served as resource persons were Dodie I. Oclarino, Agriculturist II from PCA – Bataan; Engr. Nina Elaine M. Ursula, Administrative Assistant; and Alejandro Z. Castro, Administrative Aide from the Local Government Unit of Olongapo City.
As part of the activity, participants also engaged in site visits and hands-on exercises on seed sowing, transplanting, grafting, marcotting, and pruning to further strengthen their practical understanding and application of the technologies discussed during the sessions.
During the closing program, Guillermo Q. Roman, Jr., Board of Director of Tala Orani Multipurpose Cooperative, expressed his appreciation for the training and highlighted the importance of the practical activities conducted throughout the program.
“Bukod sa lecture, ang napakaganda pa ay meron tayong field work... ‘Yung mga natutuhan natin theoretically ay nakita natin sa hands-on at na-i-apply natin nang husto,” Roman shared.
ATI-CL and PCA continue to strengthen their commitment to empowering coconut farmers through capacity-building activities that promote sustainable agriculture, increased productivity, and improved livelihood opportunities in the region.
Written by: Kimberly T. Miguel
