Participants are lay outing the proper planting distance for coconut

CENTRAL VISAYAS. Training of Trainers (TOT) on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for Coconut was conducted on April 24 – 28, 2023 at ATI-7 Complex Hall, Cabawan District, Tagbilaran City, Bohol. This training was attended by 19 agricultural extension workers from different Local Government Units in Central Visayas. The main goal of this training was to enable the participants to effectively deliver topics related to GAP on coconut. The participants were able to gain new knowledge and develop skills through a series of enabling objectives.

In the course of the five-day training, participants were able to learn various topics related to coconut GAP. Firstly, they were briefed about the Philippine Coconut Industry and the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP). Secondly, they identified the most commonly used coconut varieties in the Philippines and their environmental requirements. Next, they were able to understand the coconut plantation management processes and describe the concept of farm diversification vis-a-vis coconut intercropping. They also learned about the harvesting and post-harvest handling processes of coconut as well as the economics of coconut, and different appropriate management techniques against the pests and diseases of coconut. Lastly, the participants applied the GAP coconut certification requirements during their actual certification process in their field practicum.

Some of the participants expressed their gratitude towards the organizers of the training. Jorgette Fathy Q. Balorio from PCA-Region 7 was thankful for the knowledge gained from the training, while Grecilda S. Angco from LGU-Tuburan praised the excellent and delicious food served during the event. Romeo Pique Jr. from LGU-Guihulngan was grateful to the facilitators, co-participants, and ATI-7 for the successful event. The training management team were praised for their efforts in conducting such an informative and well-organized event.

In conclusion, the TOT on GAP for Coconut was a success and highly beneficial to the participants. The new knowledge and skills acquired will be useful in their respective fields and hopefully, will have a positive impact in the coconut industry in the region.