To improve farming practices, 20 coconut farmers and one agricultural extension worker participated in a hands-on “Training on Coconut Production with Good Agricultural Practices” on March 9–13, 2026, at MC Town Centre, San Fernando, Romblon.
During the training, Ms. Alma M. Catibog discussed the Philippine coconut industry and the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP). She explained how Republic Act No. 11524 supports coconut farmers and outlined the services available from government agencies. Meanwhile, Mr. Oscar Manlolo of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) – Romblon presented Republic Act No. 8048 (Coconut Preservation Act), explaining the rules on cutting coconut trees and the required permit.
Private trainer Ms. Gretchen F. Fababaer taught participants about coconut varieties, farm management, and pest and disease control. The participants also took part in a hands-on exercise to identify the different parts of the coconut tree, from roots to leaves—something many farmers had not studied in detail before.
Ms. Roseanne D. Nilo, CFIDP Alternate Point Person from the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) – MIMAROPA, emphasized the importance of starting correctly when establishing a coconut plantation. Participants learned how to select seed nuts, prepare planting holes, and design their farm layouts.
Hands-on activities were conducted at Ms. Alicia R. Ruda’s farm and at the Otod Producers and Traders Multi-Purpose Cooperative (OPTAMPC) in Brgy. Otod. Farmers practiced selecting seed nuts, planting, and fertilizing coconut trees using natural fertilizers such as coconut residues, cow manure, and nitrogen-rich plants like hagonoy. They also learned the triangular planting system to maximize coconut production.
“Bilang isa sa mga dumalo sa training na ito, natutunan ko kung paano kilalanin ang lahat ng bahagi ng niyog—mula sa ugat, katawan, puso, hanggang sa mga dahon. Nalaman ko rin na kailangan ng permit bago putulin ang niyog. Ang mga tagapagsalita ay magaling at naituro nila ang tamang pamamaraan ng pagtatanim at pagpapabuti ng taniman. Natutunan ko rin kung paano tukuyin kung dwarf o tall ang aking tanim, ang tamang proseso sa nursery, at ang wastong pag-aaplay ng abono,”shared Ms. Ruda, member of OPTAMPC.
Conducted by ATI-MIMAROPA in partnership with PCA – Romblon, the participants committed to applying these new techniques and sharing their knowledge with fellow coconut farmers.
