BANGA, Aklan – To further develop a core of trainers and facilitators in the region who will assist in the implementation of the different training activities under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Program (CFIDP), the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) - Region 6 conducted the second Batch of the Coconut Specialist Training Course (CSTC).
The 2-week training was participated by twenty-two (22) coconut farmer-leaders in Panay coming from the various organizations in coconut priority areas. The training has developed the knowledge and skills of the participants in the various steps, processes, and theories related to the coconut value chain.
During the training participants were exposed to numerous preparatory activities in coconut production, plantation management, harvesting and post-harvest, economics, and good agricultural practices.
Topics on communication in extension, transformational leadership and social preparation, and cooperative organization were also included to help the participants become effective trainers and community developers.
Likewise, to apply the coconut theories and technologies discussed inside the training hall, a field practicum was employed during the 6th day of the training. During the practicum, participants were able to perform seednut and seedlings selection, nursery establishment, fertilization, lay-outing, and planting.
Moreover, by the end of the training they have undergone the microteaching activity to help enhance their presentation and facilitation skills as future trainers and facilitators of various CFIDP trainings and activities.
Participant Johnny Galve, President, of the Calaya Small Coconut Farmers Organization in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras expressed his gratefulness for his participation in the training.
“I am beyond thankful that I will be returning to my organization with the knowledge and skills for the good of our coconut farmers.”
During the closing program, Eraldgen Bernaldo, CFIDP Alternate Focal Person and Chief of the Career Development and Management Section highlighted the serious accountability of the CSTC graduates as the ATI’s partner in the implementation of the CFIDP.
“You have now the responsibility to educate our coconut farmers, to share with them what has transpired here in this training. When you go back to your organizations, you must comply with your re-entry plans for we will monitor your implementations,” stressed Bernaldo.
PCA Region 6 Regional Manager Dr. Neil Melencion also graced the closing program and thanked the ATI for capacitating the coconut farmer-leaders in Panay. He also stressed to the graduates that when they go back to their localities, they will be the PCA’s representative when it comes to the dissemination of coconut technologies to the farmers.
Moreover, ATI Region 6 Center Director Mary Ann A. Ramos is hopeful that with the training provided to them, the graduates will become ATI’s dependable partner in the implementation of the various CFIDP activities in the Region.
The conduct of the CSTC Batch 2 was held on May 15-26, 2023 at ATI Training Hall, Banga, Aklan. Another batch of the same training is also set for the farmer-leaders in the province of Negros Occidental by July 2023.
