Ms. Socorro Bonador, an activated charcoal (AC) processor, demonstrates AC processing techniques to the participants in the training.
TIGBAUAN, ILOLO – More than 30 participants, including coconut farmers, workers, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) engaged in coconut production management and processing technologies from August 28-30, 2024.
The training focused on the technologies used in nursery establishment, fertilization, pest and disease management, and processing activated charcoal/carbon (AC).
PCA-Iloilo Agriculturist II Ms. Joylyn Gaitan assists the participants during the field practicum on seedling planting.
Personnel from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) in the province of Iloilo served as resource persons and technical experts on the technologies in coconut production management. Reinheart Kevin Villan, Agriculturist II, discussed the production management technologies of coconut. On the other hand, Joylyn Gaitan, Agriculturist II, and Ma Leslee Lumampao, Agriculturist I, served as the technical experts during the field practicum.
Meanwhile, Socorro Bonador, an activated charcoal processor from Batan, Aklan, performed a hands-on demonstration on activated charcoal processing. Charcoaled coconut shells or wood from fruit-bearing trees shall be activated through heating to become activated charcoal. AC is used as an ingredient in cosmetics, to treat overdose and poisoning, water filters, odor absorbers, and many other industries.
The training has helped coconut farmers to gain a deeper understanding of coconut production practices. Also, it presented another initiative in which they can utilize coconut waste, such as coco shells, to make something profitable.
Coconut farmer participants present the difference between a good and bad seednut for sowing during a hands-on activity.
Participants also expressed gratitude for the support that they have given through the conduct of the training. Roda Rifa of the New Lucena Coconut Agriculture Cooperative remarked, “Thank you for your continued support for the coconut farmers who are willing to be trained and learn new skills and ideas in coconut farming and processing. We need much training on coconut processing and other by-products from coconut.”
This activity is the fourth batch of the five batches of the Training on Coconut Production and Processing implemented by ATI Region 6 regionwide and in partnership with PCA and the Department of Trade and Industry in Western Visayas.
The training occurred at Sol Y Mar Family Beach Resort, an ATI-accredited Learning Site for Agriculture in the province of Iloilo.
