The Agricultural Training InstituteโCentral Luzon (ATI-CL), in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)-Bataan, successfully conducted the first batch of the Training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for Coconut from June 2 to 4, 2026, in Tala, Orani, Bataan.
A total of 27 coconut farmers participated in the three-day training program, which aimed to enhance their knowledge and skills in primary production technologies and the requirements for Good Agricultural Practices across the coconut value chain.
The opening program was facilitated by Ronell D. Lagaria, Assistant Project Officer/Technical Support Staff IV, and Rannel S. Cruz, Technical Support Staff IV. In her message of support, Babelyn P. Lopez, Project Officer and Training Specialist II of ATI-CL, underscored the importance of adopting Good Agricultural Practices and highlighted the advantages of obtaining GAP certification for coconut farms.
Throughout the training, resource persons from PCA-Bataan, graduates of the Training of Trainers program, and ATI-CL shared their expertise on key topics, including coconut production and management, plantation management and nursery establishment, farm diversification and its economic benefits, and the principles and standards of Good Agricultural Practices.
To complement the lecture sessions, participants took part in various hands-on activities, including field layout and planting, fertilization techniques, palm yield estimation, seednut selection, age estimation of coconut palms, and nursery establishment. These practical exercises enabled participants to apply the concepts and technologies discussed during the training and gain valuable field experience.
โAng isang taong mangmang, posible bang matuto at maging henyo? Posible! Kung siya ay aktibong makikinig at dadalo sa mga pagsasanay ng PCA at ATI. Ito ay totoo,โ Alfredo D. De Leon of the Pag-Asa Coconut Farmers Agriculture Cooperative shared a poem reflecting on his learning experience during the closing program.
In his closing message, Dr. Emmanuel L. Orogo, Officer-in-Charge Center Director of ATI-CL, encouraged participants to apply the knowledge and skills they had acquired and to share these learnings with fellow coconut farmers in their respective communities.
He emphasized the vital role of trained farmers in promoting sustainable and productive coconut farming practices, noting that their continued commitment contributes significantly to the growth and development of the Philippine coconut industry.
Written by: Ronell D. Lagaria
