The Agricultural Training Institute-Central Luzon (ATI-CL) completed a five-day βTraining on Processing of Coconut Products and By-Productsβ under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) Program held at Zen Tierras Farm in Dingalan, Aurora, from October 7 to 11, 2024.
A total of 21 coconut farmers from Dingalan participated in the training, which aimed to provide practical knowledge on processing coconut products to boost local livelihoods and empower farmers with the tools to create value-added coconut products and improve their economic standings.
The training was led by the project officer, Ms. Fria Joy B. Soriano, along with CFIDP focal persons, Ms. Mariel B. Baldoz and Ms. Ruth S. Reyes.
Mr. Jim C. Dela Cruz from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), as well as Ms. Soriano and Ms. Reyes from ATI Central Luzon, served as resource persons.
Additionally, Mr. Gilberto C. Galicia facilitated the discussions and hands-on activities throughout the training.
Furthermore, the participants successfully produced various coconut products, including coco sugar, coco burgers, virgin coconut oil, coco toyo (soy sauce), coco aminos, coco cola, coco honey, coco jam, desiccated coconut, bukarilyo (coconut candies), and virgin coconut oil.
Moreover, as part of their output, the participants developed a re-entry plan outlining how they would apply their newly acquired skills and knowledge in their communities.