Cebu - To spur economic growth in the area and stimulate entrepreneurial spirit for livelihood generation, aiming to improve the standard of living for the Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) particularly the coconut farmers, a Skills Training on Coconut Shell Handicraft cum Business 101 was conducted on November 27-29, 2024 in Tuburan, this province. 

About 25 coconut farmers from the municipalities of Tuburan, Asturias, and Tabogon participated in the training, respectively. Attendees were introduced to Coconut Shells as a Raw Material and the Tools and Techniques in Shellcraft Production. Moreover, the Essential Tools and Materials for Effective Production, Identifying and Understanding Tools, and selecting and Preparing Materials for Shellcraft Production were also discussed.  

Mr. Genes Canlas of Adorno Handicrafts was tapped as the resource person. He executed the process of production while the participants performed return demos. After the 3-day training, participants showcased their product design as outputs. 

The skills training was conducted by the Agricultural Training Institute – VII (ATI-7) in collaboration with the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI), and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Cebu in support of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) program. It is hoped that participants will not only create their handicrafts but also be able to supply raw materials to handicraft makers like the Adorno Company.  

“Kining training nakadugang sa akong kahibalo sa pagpa uswag ug naka abli sa laing opportunidad. Salamat ug akong ipaambit and akong kahibalo sa akong mga kauban sa association.” said Nino Habuhab one of the participants.

Gracing the event were Senior Trade Industry Development Specialist Lurli Abaño joined by Trade Industry Development Specialist Jhomae Isoto from DTI Cebu, and Provincial Manager Johndom Domagtoy of PCA Cebu. Meanwhile, Doris Isabel J. Racho, DM of the ATI-7 served as the Project Officer assisted by Rosmalyn Pusta.