Aiming to enhance farmers’ knowledge and skills in adopting sustainable and productive coconut farming practices, a total of 19 coconut farmers successfully completed a five-day training on Coconut Production with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) on March 2–6, 2026, at Peria Seafront Pension, Roxas, Palawan.
Designed to be highly interactive, the training combined participatory discussions, group activities, moving examinations, and hands-on field demonstrations. It started with an overview of the current state of the Philippine coconut industry, emphasizing the importance of initiatives such as the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan in strengthening the sector.
One of the highlights of the training was a “moving exam” conducted prior to the discussion on coconut morphology. Farmers were asked to identify various coconut parts displayed on tables, making the activity both engaging and educational. This exercise assessed their existing knowledge while encouraging active participation.
It was followed by detailed discussions on the structure of the coconut and the seed nut, enabling participants to better understand their functions and their importance in production. The resource persons also introduced different coconut varieties and their characteristics, guiding them in selecting suitable planting materials for their respective farms.
Moreover, important sessions focused on proper plantation management practices that promote sustainable coconut production. Participants learned how to identify common pests and diseases and understand their impact on farm productivity. Farm diversification was presented as a practical strategy for creating additional income streams for coconut farmers.
To reinforce learning, participants engaged in hands-on activities such as seedbed preparation, proper layout of planting distances, and the actual transplanting of coconut seedlings. These field exercises allowed them to apply their knowledge in real-life scenarios, boosting their confidence in implementing GAP techniques.
One of the participants, Cecilia D. Gajo from the New Guinlo Coconut Farmers Association, shared her appreciation: “Panibagong kaalaman ang aming natutunan sa training na ito. Mula sa paggawa ng nursery hanggang sa pagtatanim, masasabi ko na malaking tulong ito sa amin, lalo na dahil may mga bahagi pa ng aming niyugan na nais naming taniman. Naniniwala kami na hindi pa huli ang lahat para mas maging produktibo ang aming niyugan.”
The training was facilitated by resource persons from the Philippine Coconut Authority–Palawan, namely Ms. Noeme Kate K. Ben-ek, Mr. Arlo G. Solano, and Mr. Anthony R. Alqueza, together with Mr. Jayson N. Erondo and Ms. Alma M. Catibog from ATI-MIMAROPA.
