The Agricultural Training Institute – Central Luzon (ATI-CL), in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)-Bataan, successfully conducted the Training on Coconut Hybridization and Nursery Management – Bataan on June 16–18, 2026, in Balanga City, Bataan.
The three-day training was attended by twenty-six (26) coconut farmers actively engaged in the coconut industry across the province. The activity aimed to enhance the technical knowledge and practical skills of coconut farmers in the areas of coconut hybridization and nursery management.
Through a well-structured learning program that combined technical lectures with hands-on demonstrations, participants gained a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the principles, methodologies, and best practices in coconut hybridization, as well as the proper establishment and management of coconut nurseries. The training emphasized the importance of producing quality planting materials to improve coconut productivity and ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry.
Ronell D. Lagaria, Assistant Project Officer and TSS IV, led the opening program. A message of support and encouragement was delivered by Dr. Emmanuel L. Orogo, OIC, Center Director of ATI-CL, who underscored the significance of strengthening the capacities of coconut farmers through science-based technologies and practical agricultural innovations.
The technical sessions were facilitated by experts from the Philippine Coconut Authority-Bataan and graduates of the Training of Trainers (TOT), who served as resource persons. They shared their expertise, experiences, and best practices on coconut hybridization and nursery management. Discussions highlighted the importance of selecting parent trees with desirable traits for hybridization, proper emasculation and pollination techniques, the selection of high-quality seedlings for field planting, and the implementation of effective nursery management practices to ensure the production of vigorous and healthy planting materials.
Resource Persons during the three-day training includes: Dodie I. Oclarino, Agriculturist II of PCA Bataan; Emmanuel James T. Aldos, Agricultural Technician of LGU Dinalupihan; Bobby Kiel DL. Jorge, Agriculturist I of LGU Hermosa
During the closing program, Flordeliza M. Flores from Upland Farmers-Producers of Abucay Agriventures Inc. said, “Marami po kaming natutunan sa training na ito, lalo na kung paano ang tamang pag-manage ng nursery, tamang paraan ng pag-hybrid, at pagkilala sa mga peste at sakit ng niyog. Dito lang po namin nalaman ang ilan sa mga peste na dati ay hindi namin alam na nakakasira pala sa niyog. Natutunan din po namin kung paano ito i-control at ang mga tamang pamamaraan sa pagtatanim ng niyog. Naniniwala po kami na sa pamamagitan nito ay mas mapapaunlad pa namin ang aming coconut farming."
The activity concluded with the presentation of participants’ re-entry plans, reflecting their commitment to applying and sharing the knowledge gained within their respective communities.
This training forms part of the implementation of Republic Act No. 11524, otherwise known as the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act, which supports programs and initiatives aimed at promoting the long-term growth, modernization, competitiveness, and sustainability of the Philippine coconut industry while improving the welfare and livelihoods of coconut farmers nationwide.
Written by: Ronell D. Lagaria
