The Agricultural Training InstituteโCentral Luzon (ATI-CL), in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Aurora, successfully conducted a three-day Training on Coconut-Coffee Farming System (Batch 1) from April 22 to 24, 2026.
The training was attended by 25 coconut farmers from across the municipalities of Aurora, equipping them with both knowledge and practical skills in coffee intercropping within coconut farms. The initiative aims to enhance farm productivity while creating additional income opportunities for local farmers.
During the opening program, Carmela G. Fermin, Administrative Support Staff III of ATI-CL, welcomed participants and guests. This was followed by a message from Jim C. Dela Cruz, Acting Senior Agriculturist of PCA-Aurora, who highlighted the importance of integrating coffee into coconut-based farming systems as a sustainable strategy to maximize land use.
Kimberly T. Miguel, Technical Support Staff IV of ATI-CL, presented an overview of the activity, outlining its objectives and expected outcomes.
The training covered key topics such as the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan, Coffee Production Technology, Harvest and Post-Harvest Management, Coconut-Based Farming Systems with a focus on coconut-coffee intercropping, and the economics of the coconut-coffee cropping system. Experts from PCA-Aurora and the Office of the Provincial AgriculturistโAurora served as resource persons, guiding participants through the sessions.
To reinforce classroom discussions, participants engaged in hands-on demonstrations, including rejuvenation techniques, weed management, transplanting, fertilizer application, and pruning.
Elvin C. Drequito of the Diarabasin Integrated Farmers and Agrarian Reform Cooperative expressed his appreciation during the closing segment, noting the inspiration he drew from fellow farmersโ dedication despite their busy schedules. He added that the training would serve as a valuable step toward improving and expanding the local coffee industry.
The program forms part of ATI-CLโs continuing efforts to promote diversified and sustainable farming systems among coconut farmers in Central Luzon, supporting long-term agricultural development in the region.
Written by: Kimberly T. Miguel
