To enhance their knowledge, skills, and approach to coconut production, 20 farmers and two Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) attended the Training of Trainers (TOT) on Coconut Production with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) at Janisah Pension House, Panacan 2, Narra, Palawan on July 15–19, 2024.
Ms. Yolando Barairo, a representative from the Municipal Agriculture Office of Narra opened the TOT by welcoming the participants. She expressed her gratitude to the Agricultural Training Institute in MIMAROPA and the Philippine Coconut Authority for spearheading the training, which provided relevant interventions for coconut farmers and AEWs.
The TOT included a series of engaging lectures and exams on various coconut-related topics, such as identifying the parts and functions of a coconut and seednut, farm diversification methods, site selection, farm maintenance, and GAP certification. Interactive group activities and workshops were also held to reinforce the concepts discussed.
Moreover, participants gained practical experience through hands-on activities, including seednut selection and seedbed preparation on a working farm, which allowed them to apply the skills acquired during the training.
Upon completion of the TOT, the participants developed re-entry plans, designed to guide the implementation of their newly acquired knowledge and skills on their own farms.