A total of 40 coconut farmers completed the two batches of the Farmer-Level Training on Coconut Production with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) conducted by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA on March 19–21, 2025, at the ATI-RTC MIMAROPA Center in Barcenaga, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, and on April 2–4, 2025, at the Brgy. Hall of Poblacion IV, Balabac, Palawan.
The training aimed to equip coconut farmers with practical knowledge and skills to implement sustainable and efficient farming methods aligned with GAP standards. Both batches featured comprehensive lectures and hands-on activities covering topics such as the Philippine coconut industry, coconut physiology and varieties, plantation and nursery management, pest and disease control, post-harvest handling, and farm diversification.
Participants gained hands-on experience in selecting quality seednuts, establishing nurseries, and executing proper farm layouts using triangular spacing. In Balabac, the hands-on activities were conducted at a local coconut farm in Brgy. 6, where farmers practiced applying the GAP modules through layout demonstrations and seedling sowing techniques. In Oriental Mindoro, the layout activity was demonstrated in an open area within the ATI-RTC compound.
A highlight of the Mindoro batch was a field visit to Barber’s Coconut Farm in Victoria, where participants observed the hybridization program of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA). They learned about coconut pollination, emasculation, and nursery establishment, further deepening their understanding of advanced coconut farming practices.
As part of their outputs, participants submitted farm layout designs that integrated GAP principles and diversification strategies suited to their respective farm conditions.
The training also served as a platform for local farmers to explore the possible reorganization of their associations. In Balabac, participants agreed to reactivate their local coconut farmers’ group and committed to fulfilling the PCA requirements for accreditation. Discussions also touched on potential government support under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).
“Naimpress ako sa mga tagapagturo natin, kahit makukulit tayo, andun pa rin ang tiyaga ng ating resource persons. Sa tatlong araw natin dito, hindi sila nagsawang magturo. Maganda at malinaw ang kanilang pagtuturo. Noong una akong dumating, ang alam ko lang ay tungkol ito sa niyog. Pero, naisip kong bumalik sa pagsasaka, dahil ang tunay na pagkukunan ng ating pangangailangan ay nasa bukid. Sipag, tiyaga, at kaalaman sa pagbubukid ang puhunan natin. Sa pagsasanay na ito, mas nakilala ko ang puno ng niyog at ang kahalagahan nito. Marami rin akong bagong natutunan mula sa ating mga resource speaker,” shared Joseph Calopez, Farmer, Barangay Pob. I, Balabac, Palawan.
