BANGA, Aklan – Fifteen coconut farmers from Aklan acquired skills on coconut-based products through the Skills Training on Coconut Soap-Making last October 9-11, 2023 at the Maria Y. Orosa Hall, 4-H Learning Hub, ASU Compound. ATI Region 6 partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry in the implementation of the said training.
During the 3-day activity, participants were able to participate in the discussions on RA 11524 and the government’s initiative to support marginalized coconut farmers, the importance of soap in personal and household hygiene, soap-making techniques, equipment and safety precautions used in soap-making, the importance of soap curing, creative packaging ideas for handmade soaps, and troubleshooting of common issues in soap making and its quality control.
The coconut farmers produced coconut soap bars, coconut dishwashing liquid, and coconut detergent soap, as part of their output.
“The process of making different products from the coconut tree is very productive. It helps us create business and this means additional income for our families, the community, and the organizations where we belong. Thank you for this opportunity,” expressed participant Primilin Narciso during the Closing Program.
The course aimed to enhance knowledge, skills, and attitude of participants on efficient coconut soap-making, utilization and patronage of coconut-based products, and improvement of livelihoods of coconut farmers.
The same training was conducted last August 23-25, 2023 in Ranger Farm, Sara, Iloilo, and October 18-20, 2023 at Balboa’s Adventure Park, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo. The last batch of the training on coco soap-making will be conducted in Negros Occidental on October 24-26, 2023.
