LSA Cooperator Mr. Norlito Morales of the Vernice Rose Integrated Farm discusses the features of viable seedlings needed for polybag planting of coconuts.
BAROTAC NUEV0, Iloilo – In support of the implementation of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Program (CFIDP), 30 coconut farmers from the priority areas in the province of Iloilo underwent a three-day training on coconut production and processing on June 26-28, 2024 at INA Farmers Learning Site and Agri Farm, also an ATI-accredited LSA.
Resource persons discussed and demonstrated the coconut production and processing technologies. Moreover, they presented the Philippine coconut industry situation and CFIDP programs and services to the participants.
Participants identify the characteristics of good and bad coconut seedlings during a field practicum on coconut management technologies.
As part of the training, participants performed a field practicum on the production management of coconuts, such as seednut selection, nursery establishment, polybagging of seedlings, and planting. Likewise, participants also processed virgin coconut oil and coconut soap at Vernice Rose Integrated Farm, an ATI-accredited Learning Site for Agriculture in Brgy. Latawan, Sara, Iloilo.
During the field practicum, Sara Mayor Jon Aying and Vice Mayor Ryan Cerudo visited and welcomed the participants and provided some information about the agricultural setting of the municipality. Mayor Aying also shared that one of the priorities of the local government is planting coconut seedlings to aid in the revival of the coconut industry in the area.
Guided by the resource person from PCA, a participant prepares the coconut oil mixture as an ingredient in soap-making.
At the end of the three-day training, the participants expressed their gratitude for the training, for they have learned and discovered scientific ways of managing their coconut plantations and profitable coconut enterprises, which they can venture into their respective municipalities.
This activity is part of the six batches of the Training on Coconut Production and Processing to be implemented by ATI Region 6 regionwide.
