A total of 22 participants—comprising 20 coconut farmers and two personnel from the Bureau of Corrections, endorsed by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)–Palawan successfully completed a five-day training on Coconut Production with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), conducted by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA on March 23–27, 2026, at Yummies Pension, Poblacion, Quezon, Palawan.
ATI-MIMAROPA Center Director Pat Andrew B. Barrientos graced the opening program of the training. In his message, he emphasized the importance of equipping coconut farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to enhance productivity while promoting sustainable practices.
“Ang pagsasanay na ito ay nakatutulong hindi lamang sa pagpapabuti ng ani ng mga sakahan, kundi pati na rin sa pagpapanatili ng pangmatagalang kaunlaran ng industriya ng niyog sa Pilipinas,” he shared.
The training began with an overview of the Philippine coconut industry, highlighting key initiatives like the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP). A “moving exam” allowed participants to assess their knowledge before engaging in discussions on coconut morphology and seed-nut structure, providing them with a clear understanding of the plant’s functions and its importance in production.
Participants also learned about different coconut varieties and their unique characteristics. Discussions emphasized sustainable plantation management, including identifying pests and diseases, understanding their effects on farm productivity, and exploring farm diversification strategies to generate additional income.
Hands-on activities reinforced learning, with farmers practicing seedbed preparation, planting layouts, and transplanting coconut seedlings. Participants mastered both square and triangular planting systems with 9 x 9 spacing. A previous training graduate also joined to share experiences and the practical benefits of applying GAP techniques on the farm.
One participant, Mr. Ruperio J. Etek, President of the Pinaglabanan Small Coconut Farmers Organization, expressed his delight in learning proper coconut cultivation through the training.
“Sa pamamagitan nito, nakilala natin ang mga namiminsala sa ating mga pananim at natutunan ang tamang paraan ng kanilang pagpuksa. Sa ating mga facilitator, kami ay taos-pusong nagpapasalamat sa oras na inyong ibinigay sa amin. Sana ay hindi dito nagtatapos ang ating pagsasanay, at patuloy pa itong magbigay ng kaalaman upang mas lalo nating matutunan kung paano alagaan ang niyog,” he added.
The training was facilitated by resource persons: Ms. Noeme Kate K. Ben-ek from the PCA–Palawan, together with Ms. Cristina G. Magnaye and Ms. Roseanne D. Nilo from ATI-MIMAROPA.
