A total of 22 coconut farmers successfully completed the 3-day Farmer-Level Training on the Production of Coconut Products and By-Products at ATI-RTC MIMAROPA, Barcenaga, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro on March 4-6, 2025.
On the first day of the training, Engr. Celso F. Maliwanag, Division Chief I of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Mindoro, delivered an inspiring message of support. He encouraged the farmers to embrace the opportunities provided by the training to improve their processing methods and contribute to the growth of the coconut industry.
“Sa tatlong araw na pagsasanay na ito, makikita at matututunan natin kung paano maisasagawa nang tama ang mga proseso sa paggawa ng mga produkto mula sa niyog. Magkaroon tayo ng masigasig na pananaw sa pagpapalago ng ating mga produkto upang mapabuti ang ating mga kabuhayan. Ipakita natin na dito sa Oriental Mindoro, bilang mga magsasaka ng niyog, kaya nating pataasin pa ang antas ng industriya nang higit pa kaysa sa ibang mga probinsiya sa buong rehiyon ng MIMAROPA,” Engr. Maliwanag shared.
Among the highlights of the training were hands-on activities focused on processing a variety of coconut-based products, including macaroons, buko rolls, buko pancit, coconut jam, and coconut ice cream. These activities enhanced the farmers' skills in creating these delicious coconut products and boosted their potential income opportunities.
The participants also visited the Gabutero Organic Farm (GOF) in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro, where they learned about coco coir or fiber processing and its various uses, such as coco twine and cocopeat, demonstrated by GOF owner and cooperator Mr. Nelson B. Gabutero.
On behalf of Center Director Pat Andrew B. Barrientos, Assistant Center Director Norberto C. Maur graced the closing program of the training and encouraged the participants to apply what they had learned in starting a business and to share it with others so that many could benefit.
This is the first batch of training on coconut processing, with another batch scheduled for May.
