The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA wrapped up its final batch of the Training of Trainers (TOT) on Coconut Production with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) on March 2–6, 2026, at the Romblon State University Hostel, Odiongan, Romblon, equipping coconut farmers with the essential knowledge, skills, and mindset to implement GAP effectively.
The training combined lecture discussions with hands-on activities. During the discussion on coconut morphology, participants actively examined a coconut tree to identify its different parts before the lecture through a moving exam, and repeated the exercise afterward to assess their learning. After the lecture on coconut farm diversification, participants illustrated their concept of a diversified coconut farm.
Ms. Hazel B. Noche and Mr. Victorio Y. Falculan, both Agriculturist II from the Philippine Coconut Authority - Romblon, and Ms. Roseanne D. Nilo, Media Production Specialist II from ATI-MIMAROPA, served as resource persons.
Ms. Noche discussed Republic Act 8048, emphasizing the requirements and procedures for securing permits to cut coconut trees. Mr. Falculan presented on pest and disease management. Meanwhile, Ms. Nilo covered several topics, including the Philippine Coconut Industry Situationer; the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan and its implementing agencies; coconut morphology, physiology, and growth stages; coconut plantation and farm management; farm diversification; harvest and post-harvest technology; and GAP, including the GAP certification process.
As part of the hands-on activities, participants selected seed nuts and prepared seedbeds at the nursery site of the Pato-o Farmers, Producers, and Processors Association. They laid out, planted, and fertilized crops at the farm of Mr. Abundio Rafael in Brgy. Poctoy, Odiongan, Romblon.
After the hands-on activities, participants shared feedback on what they had learned from the practical exercises and field observations. They recognized the importance of proper nursery management in producing high-quality seedlings and understood the significance of maintaining adequate soil moisture for optimal coconut tree growth.
Among the participants, Ms. Margi F. Fajarito, a member of the Small Coconut Farmers Association in Romblon, expressed her gratitude for the training and her commitment to applying the knowledge on her farm.
“Sana sa mga susunod na taon ay ma-apply ko lahat ang aking mga natutunan dito at maging LSA din ako para mas maraming magsasaka akong matulungan at maturuan sa tamang pamamahala ng niyugan, she said.”
As part of their commitment, participants also agreed to conduct orientations for their association members, particularly on proper fertilization practices, to promote improved coconut productivity in their respective communities.
A total of 21 coconut farmers from different associations, organizations, and cooperatives in the Municipality of Romblon participated in the said TOT.
