In support to the RA 11524 or the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA conducted the Training of Trainers (TOT) on Coconut Production with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) at LGU Hostel, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, on August 26-30, 2024.
The training enabled the participants to acquire new knowledge on coconut production technology, and informed them on the requirements for food safety and quality assurance of coconut-based products and by-products.
Engr. Karen T. Vicente, ATI-MIMAROPA Agriculturist I, provided the participants with information on the specific programs under the CFID, the process of applying for GAP certification, and the guidelines for on-field inspection.
The TOT also tapped resource persons from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), specifically Ms. Aida Escultor and Mr. Jofer dela Cruz, to discuss the nine modules on coconut plantation management processes, harvest and post-harvest handling processes, and appropriate agricultural management techniques in production.
To demonstrate their knowledge, the participants performed various field activities, including the selection of good quality seed nuts, nursery establishment, field-layouting, and planting of coconut siblings.
“In terms of technical na pagtuturo sa atin, ako po ay sobrang satisfied. Ako po bilang matagal na ding magsasaka at private practitioner ay masasabi kong ibang itong training na ito. Highly specific ito sa coconut. Kahit marami na akong experience sa field ay talaga namang marami pa din akong natutunan. Sa pagtatapos ng training natin na ito, sure ako na saan man ako dalhin ay ipapalaganap ko ang lahat ng aking natutunan at magiging malaking katulungan ito hindi lamang sa akin kundi sa kapwa ko din na magsasaka," said Mr. Emanuel R. Arroza, a member of L and A Agri in Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro.
A total of 21 participants, consisting of 17 farmers and four AEWs, attended the TOT.
