To capacitate 17 coconut farmers and three agricultural extension workers as effective resource persons, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA conducted a Training of Trainers (TOT) on Coconut Production and Management - Batch 3 on April 21-25, 2025 at Hotel Marinduque, Brgy. Isok I, Boac, Marinduque.
During the training, resource persons from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)-Marinduque discussed various topics covering key aspects of coconut production. Ms. Jonna Marie F. Portales, Senior Agriculturist, explained the provisions of Republic Act 8048, focusing on the proper process of obtaining permits for cutting coconut trees.
This was followed by a discussion from Mr. Jaymar T. Rodique, Agriculturist I, who presented information on coconut pests and diseases, with particular focus on raising awareness about the coconut spike moth. Mr. Reymark R. Pacia, Agriculturist II, then covered coconut nutrient management and led hands-on activities on selecting quality nuts, designing coconut farm layouts, and proper seedling sowing techniques.
In addition to the PCA experts, ATI-MIMAROPA personnel also served as resource speakers. Ms. Cristina G. Magnaye, Training Specialist III, and Ms. Roseanne D. Nilo, Media Production Specialist II, contributed their expertise to further enrich the TOT sessions.
To reinforce the lessons through practical application, participants visited the farms of Mr. Cesario Natal and Mr. Briones. There, they practiced selecting viable nuts, implementing the 10m x 10m planting distances using both square and triangle methods, and correctly planting coconut seedlings. The group also toured the newly constructed processing plant for white copra and refined, bleached, and deodorized oil (RBDO) located in Brgy. Pawa, Boac, Marinduque.
“Akala ko po ay alam ko na kung paano magtanim ng niyog, pero hindi pala ganoon kasimple. Mabusisi rin pala ito, kagaya ng ibang halaman. Kaya’t dapat natin tutukan ang pagniniyog dahil ito ay may mahalagang papel sa ating kabuhayan. Sana ay suportahan natin ang proyektong ito at pahalagahan ang ating mga niyugan. At itong training na ito—nawa’y ang lahat ng natutunan natin ay hindi lang manatili sa notebook o sa flash drive, kundi maibahagi rin natin sa iba, upang mas marami pa ang matuto ng tamang pag-aalaga ng niyog,” shared Mr. Dexter M. Mansalapus, Agriculturist I-Municipal Agriculture Office, Mogpog, Marinduque.
