AEW participants of the CSTC perform coconut seedling selection and planting during the field practicum at St. Rafael Farm in Libas, Banga, Aklan.
BANGA, Aklan – To develop a core of regional facilitators who will assist in implementing the different training activities under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Program (CFIDP), the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) - Region 6 conducted a two-week training on coconut.
Dubbed the Coconut Specialist Training Course (CSTC), the training has developed the participants' knowledge and skills on the various steps, processes, and theories related to the coconut value chain.
Activities during the training include preparatory activities in coconut production, coconut plantation management, harvesting and post-harvesting, economics, and good agricultural practices. Topics about communication in extension, transformational leadership and social preparation, and clustering and community were also included to help the participants become effective agricultural extension workers.
Participants also underwent field practicum to apply the coconut theories during the discussion. They will serve as resource persons and co-facilitator of ATI in all of its CFIDP- activities; hence, they experienced the microteaching activity to help enhance their presentation and facilitation skills
During the closing program, ATI National Director Remelyn Recoter graced the event and highlighted the potential of the coconut industry in the region, with Boracay and Iloilo as the potential market for its products and by-products.
Also present at the event was PCA Region 6 Regional Manager Dr. Neil Melencion, who commended the ATI for the comprehensive training program that provides the trainees with the knowledge and skills on the various production management and technologies on coconut.
"This training will help you in helping the coconut farmers. Our coconut farmers are the poorest among the farmers in the Philippines, for they are reliant on copra alone. It's a great challenge to improve the situation of the coconut farmers. With your training here, you will be our partners in helping them improve their economic conditions," remarked Melencion during his inspirational message.
Likewise, ATI Region 6 Officer-in-Charge Mary Ann A. Ramos highlighted the importance of having a coconut focal person in every province and municipality of the region, given the scope of the CFIDP program and the span of its implementation.
"This program will run up to 50 years. So, this is just the start of your journey in helping our coconut farmers," Ramos said. She further reminded the graduates of their new role in helping the ATI roll out its farmer-level trainings under the CFIDP. Lastly, she encouraged them to "develop one coconut farmer at a time."
The CSTC has produced 19 new coconut specialists in the region proficient in various production technologies in coconut that will aid the various CFIDP implementing agencies in the rollout of its programs and services for the coconut farmers.
The training was held on February 13-24, 2023, at ATI Training Hall, Banga, Aklan.
