Aiming to equip coconut farmers with the necessary knowledge and skills for value-addition of coconut, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA, in collaboration with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) conducted a three-day Farmer Level Training on Processing Coconut Food Products on April 10-12, 2024 in Brooke’s Point, Palawan.
Engr. Noeme Kate Ben-ek, Agriculturist II of the PCA, and Mr. Krist Joseph Cadlaon, Officer-in-Charge of the Municipal Agriculture Office of Brooke's Point, graced the opening program of the training, both emphasizing its significance in enhancing the industry's competitiveness and sustainability.
During the training, various crucial aspects of the coconut industry were covered. Engr. Karen T. Vicente, Agriculturist I of ATI MIMAROPA, discussed Good Agricultural Practices on Coconut and outlined opportunities within the coconut industry. She also briefed the participants on the programs offered under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan, enhancing their understanding of available support mechanisms.
A highlight of the training was the hands-on session on processing coconut food products, facilitated by Ms. Jean Alexa E. Templo, Dormitory Manager II/Technical Staff of ATI MIMAROPA. Participants were guided through the step-by-step procedures of coconut food processing, with an emphasis on adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices standards and protocols.
A site visit to the Virgin Coconut Oil processing site of Brooke's Point Coco Products Producers Cooperative provided participants with practical insights into coconut processing techniques and technologies, further enriching their learning experience.
In his impression, Mr. Fernando Herher, a Board of Director of the Apurawan Culandanum Kaanib Producers Cooperative in Aborlan, expressed his commitment to share the learnings he has gained as he returns to their respective cooperatives.
“Sa totoo lang po marami po kaming farm pero wala pong ibang tanim kundi niyugan lang pero ang alam ko lang po dun ay yung pagtutuba pero tamang pangbahay lang at pagcocopra at ngayon dito ko nalaman at natutunan yung paggagawa burger patty, bukorilyo at coco toyo at dito ko din nalaman na ang coconut tree pala ay walang saying”, he added.
A total of 21 registered coconut farmers from the National Coconut Farmers Registry System endorsed by the PCA attended the said training.
