A total of 80 coconut farmers from cooperatives and associations in Palawan, Marinduque, and Romblon completed four batches of the Training on Good Quality Copra: Mitigating Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons and Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOSH-MOAH), conducted by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) from May 11 to June 5, 2026.
The training aimed to improve copra quality, ensure food safety, and strengthen the competitiveness of coconut farmers in both local and international markets under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).
Two batches were conducted in Palawan, specifically in the municipalities of Brooke’s Point (May 11–15, 2026) and Quezon (May 18–22, 2026), where participants engaged in in-depth discussions on MOSH–MOAH contamination risks and mitigation strategies in copra production. Farmers learned about the sources and risks of MOSH–MOAH contamination, particularly those resulting from improper drying, storage, handling, transport, and processing of copra.
Farmers were also exposed to actual operations at copra processing sites and at the oil mill facility of the Calasaguin Farmers Producers Cooperative in Barangay Tubtub, Brooke’s Point. They observed the full production flow—from harvesting and drying to crude coconut oil extraction—allowing them to identify critical control points where contamination may occur.
Workshops on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) enabled participants to develop hazard analysis worksheets and recommend corrective actions tailored to their local operations.
In Boac, Marinduque, from May 18–22, 2026, participants gained a deeper understanding of MOSH–MOAH contamination and appreciated the integration of GAP and GMP as a practical framework for improving copra quality. Cooperative leaders emphasized the need to establish stricter quality standards for copra purchasing to enhance market value and ensure compliance.
Despite limitations in processing infrastructure, participants visited traditional copra facilities and the provincial processing plant supported under the CFIDP. The field exposure reinforced their understanding of quality assurance and post-harvest handling improvements.
Resource persons from partner agencies and industry experts highlighted the importance of strengthening farmer cooperatives and expanding market linkages to sustain quality improvements in the province.
In Sta. Maria, Romblon, from June 1–5, 2026, participants learned to identify contamination risks through hazard mapping activities, lectures, workshops, and group discussions. They also visited copra production areas and buying stations, where they observed actual practices and processes. This helped them better understand the importance of proper handling and processing in producing safer and higher-quality copra.
“Dati naming ginagamit ang tradisyunal na paraan, ngunit sa training na ito ay natutunan namin ang tama at mali sa copra production at pagtatanim ng niyog. Lubos kaming nagpapasalamat sa kaalamang ibinahagi sa amin at kami ay naging masaya at kuntento sa mga activity araw-araw. Ipinagdarasal namin na mas marami pa kayong matulungan at maturuan na mga coconut farmers upang maipakilala ang tama at makabagong pamamaraan,” shared Ms. Betty S. Ambrosio, farmer-member of Sta. Maria Coconut Farmers Agriculture Cooperative.
Resource persons included Mr. Jayson N. Erondo, OIC-Assistant Center Director, Ms. Cristina G. Magnaye, Training Specialist III, Ms. Roseanne D. Nilo, Media Production Specialist II, and Ms. Alma M. Catibog, Technical Support Staff of ATI-MIMAROPA; Ms. Catherine Mae Acosta-Manongsong, Project Development Officer III of PCA Regions III and IV-B; Mr. Federico C. Go, CPRO II, and Mr. Christian L. Almirez, Agriculturist II of PCA-CALABARZON; and Ms. Noeme Kate K. Ben-Ek, Agriculturist II, and Mr. Arlo G. Solano, Senior Agriculturist of PCA-Palawan.
Also present during the training were ATI-MIMAROPA Center Director Pat Andrew B. Barrientos; Mr. Antipas Naorbe Jr., Division Chief I of PCA–Romblon; and Ms. Jonna M. Portales, Senior Agriculturist of PCA–Marinduque.
With continued support from ATI-MIMAROPA, PCA, and other CFIDP implementing agencies, coconut farmers are expected to gradually adopt improved farming and processing practices in their communities, leading to a stronger and more competitive coconut industry.
