Candijay, Bohol | June 11, 2025 – A total of 100 participants from the municipalities of Candijay, Alicia, and Guindulman took part in a one-day Technology Forum on Coconut Production Intercropped with Cacao and White Copra Processing, held at the Candijay Gymnasium under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund (CFITF).

Participants included 16 Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from LGU-Candijay, and 84 coconut farmers (13 from Alicia, 60 from Candijay, and 11 from Guindulman).

The activity aimed to raise awareness and promote sustainable coconut-based farming systems that provide diversified income streams for local farmers.

Key speakers included: Mr. Jovencio C. Felisilda, Provincial Manager of PCA-Bohol, who presented best practices in Coconut-Cacao Intercropping, and Engr. Mel Andrue Oroc, Coconut Production and Regulation Officer III of PCA-Region VII, who shared modern methods of White Copra Processing.

Ms. Josephine S. Fernando, OIC-Municipal Agriculturist of LGU-Candijay, extended her support to the initiative, emphasizing the value of innovation in coconut farming to improve farmers' livelihoods.

The Training Management Team from ATI-RTC 7, led by Mr. Jun Alguin B. Oliver, Information Officer II at the same time the Project Officer, alongside Ms. Angeleen Noreen S. Darunday, Technical Support Staff I, and Ms. Teorevic P. Leornas, Administrative Support Staff, ensured the smooth facilitation of the forum.

The event serves as part of the broader effort under the CFITF to uplift coconut farmers across the country through knowledge-sharing and capacity-building activities.