The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA spearheaded the Training of Trainers (TOT) on Coconut Production and Management at Harbour Chateau, Odiongan, Romblon, from March 10 to 14, 2025.
During the training, Ms. Cristina G. Magnaye, Training Specialist III, discussed the Philippine Coconut Industry Situation, the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), and its implementing agencies. Meanwhile, Ms. Roseanne D. Nilo, Media Production Specialist II, presented the remaining topics and facilitated an open forum on the impact of El Niño on coconut trees and strategies for recovery.
On the other hand, Ms. Hazel B. Noche and Ms. Donna Myca Gaa from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) - Romblon provided lectures on Coconut Integrated Management and Pest and Disease Management.
As part of their workshop activities, the participants engaged in a moving exam on identifying coconut parts. Moreover, they were also involved in field layout, coconut planting, selecting seed nuts, and establishing seedbeds for nursery purposes.
“Ngayon, kailangan po nating ipamahagi ito sa ating kapwa at magtulungan ang bawat isa, kasi nasa huli po talaga ang pagsisisi. Dapat po lahat ng ayuda ng gobyerno ay maidaragdag sa magniniyog, at sana mapataas po natin ang productivity yield ng ating industriya ng niyog. Lahat po ng itinuro sa atin ay makakatulong sa ating aktwal na pamumuhay. Huwag po sana tayong magsawa sa iba't ibang seminar na makakatulong sa ating kabuhayan. Bilang AEW, ako po ay nangangako na ipapaabot ko po hanggang sa abot ng aking makakaya sa mga nasasakupan ko po sa San Andres dahil ako po ang umattend at ako po ang may pananagutan,” shared Jostine Marie F. Magalang, Agricultural Technologist from Municipal Agriculture Office of San Andres.
A total of 21 participants, comprising three Agricultural Extension Workers and 18 Farmer Leaders, completed the training.
