Twenty-five (25) coconut farmers from various municipalities in Bataan successfully completed the Training on Coconut Hybridization and Nursery Management – Batch 3, conducted by the Agricultural Training Institute – Central Luzon (ATI-CL), in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), on July 1–3, 2026, at Luis Nate Resort, Hermosa, Bataan.
The three-day training aimed to strengthen the participants' knowledge and practical skills in coconut hybridization and nursery management, particularly on the proper selection of quality seednuts and seedlings to support the establishment of productive, healthy, and sustainable coconut plantations.
The program formally opened with the introduction of the participants, resource persons, and members of the Training Management Team by Carla Paula A. Carbonel, Administrative Support Staff II. Luis N. Nate, LSA Cooperator of Luis Nate Resort, welcomed the participants, followed by the inspirational message of Dr. Emmanuel L. Orogo, OIC, Center Director of the Center. Kimberly T. Miguel, Technical Support Staff IV, then presented the training overview, highlighting the objectives and expected outcomes of the activity.
Throughout the training, participants attended lecture sessions on the Overview of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), the Coconut Industry in the Philippines, Introduction to Coconut Production, Nursery Establishment, Proper Care and Maintenance of Seednuts and Seedlings in the Nursery, and Coconut Hybrid Farm Management Practices. The discussions were facilitated by Dodie I. Oclarino, Agriculturist II of PCA–Bataan, together with Emmanuel James T. Aldos, Agricultural Technician from the Municipal Agriculture Office of Dinalupihan, Bataan, and Bobby Kiel DL. Jorge, Agriculturist from the Municipal Agriculture Office of Hermosa, Bataan.
To reinforce the concepts discussed during the lectures, participants engaged in hands-on activities and actual demonstrations on seednut selection, seedbed preparation, seednut sowing, field layouting and planting, fertilizer application, and emasculation. The practical exercises enabled the participants to apply the proper techniques in coconut hybridization, particularly the process of controlled pollination for the production of quality hybrid seedlings.
During the closing program, Mirla G. Castro of the Victory Coconut Farmers Organization Inc. shared how the training enhanced her understanding of coconut hybridization and inspired her to apply the technologies learned in their farm.
"Natutuhan ko po kung paano mag-hybrid ng niyog. Meron din po kaming mga niyugan kaya lang po, kulang din po kami sa kaalaman. Ngayon po, ang mga natutuhan ko po rito ay ia-apply ko sa aming maliit na farm," Castro said.
The training forms part of ATI Central Luzon's continuing efforts to empower coconut farmers through capacity-building activities that promote improved production practices, increased farm productivity, and the long-term sustainability of the coconut industry.
Written by: Kimberly T. Miguel
