The Agricultural Training Institute – Central Luzon (ATI-CL), in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), successfully conducted the Training on Coconut Hybridization and Nursery Management – Zambales on June 23–25, 2026, at Teves Integrated Farm and Training Center Inc. in Iba, Zambales.
The three-day training was attended by twenty-seven (27) coconut farmers from different municipalities in the province. The activity aimed to strengthen 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 officially opened with the introduction of the participants, resource persons, and members of the Training Management Team by Marlene G. Surla, Administrative Support Staff II. Edgar T. Teves, Farm Manager of Teves Integrated Farm and Training Center Inc., one of the Learning Sites for Agriculture of ATI-CL, delivered the welcome message, while Dame I. Mañagas, Agriculturist from PCA–Zambales, expressed his message of support. Meanwhile, Kimberly T. Miguel, Technical Support Staff IV, presented the training overview, emphasizing the objectives and expected outcomes of the activity.
Participants were equipped with knowledge on the Overview of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), the Coconut Industry in the Philippines, Coconut Hybridization Process, Nursery Establishment, Proper Care and Maintenance of Seednuts and Seedlings in the Nursery, and Coconut Hybrid Farm Management Practices. The sessions were facilitated by Dame I. Mañagas, Agriculturist of PCA–Zambales, together with Training of Trainers (TOT) graduates from the Subic Coconut Farmers Association, Reynaldo V. Rivera and Lea M. Codilla, and Elaida Hazael C. Calayag, Agricultural Technologist from the Municipal Agriculture Office of Subic, Zambales.
To reinforce the discussions, participants engaged in hands-on activities and actual demonstrations on seednut selection, seedbed preparation, seednut sowing, field layouting and planting, fertilizer application, and emasculation—an essential process in coconut hybridization to ensure controlled pollination and the production of high-quality hybrid seedlings.
“Dahil sa training na ito, ang mga natutuhan ko rito ang magiging pundasyon ko sa pagpapalago sa aking niyugan na mapapamana ko pa sa susunod na henerasyon,” Joy D. Dacliso of the Lipay San Juan Upland Farmers Association shared his impression during the closing program.
The activity concluded with an inspirational message from Jayson B. Nidua, Project Officer and Alternate CFIDP Focal Person of ATI Central Luzon, who encouraged the graduates to apply and share the knowledge they gained to help advance coconut farming in their respective communities.
Written by: Kimberly T. Miguel
