Twenty-one (21) potential trainers successfully completed the Training of Trainers (TOT) on the Production of Coconut Products and By-Products (Food and Non-Food) at Eduardo’s Hospitality Accommodation, Bayanan II, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro on August 19-23, 2024.
The TOT was conducted in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Mindoro, and aimed to provide participants with the basic knowledge and skills needed to produce coconut products and by-products.
During the training, the participants were immersed in various lectures on Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Program (CFIDP) and coconut production-related topics, as well as Food Safety and Good Manufacturing Practices discussed by ATI-MIMAROPA technical staff and National TOT graduates, Ms. Cristina G. Magnaye, Training Specialist III/CFIDP Point Person, and Ms. Jean Alexa E. Templo, Dormitory Manager II.
Moreover, Ms. Mellany M. Hardin, Chairperson of the Mahabang Parang Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association, educated the participants and demonstrated the step-by-step process of nata de coco processing.
On the other hand, the participants were also engaged in a site visit at Gabutero Organic Farm for the non-food component. Mr. Nelson B. Gabutero Sr., LSA cooperator/farm owner, assisted the participants with their hands-on activities in actual coco twine making and observed the utilization of coco husk and coco peat on the farm while discussing other topics related to coconut farming.
As their outputs, the participants crafted their re-entry plans and made coconut cookies and buko pancit, which were then assessed by the PCA and ATI staff, as well as the venue manager, in terms of taste, texture, and appearance.
