Participants are mixing the saw dust to be mix with a green muscardine fungus – to be used as biological control against pest
Central Visayas. The Regional Coconut Specialist Training Course was held in Pacheco's Inn, Poblacion, Ubay, Bohol from March 23 to April 4, 2023. The 12-day specialist course was attended by twenty agricultural extension workers (AEWs) and farmers from the provinces of Bohol, Cebu, and Negros Oriental. The goal of the training was to equip the participants with the necessary knowledge to become resource persons on topics related to the coconut value-chain.
At the end of the training, the participants were able to discuss the Philippine Coconut Industry Situation and Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) and identify different leadership styles commonly used in organizations. They were also able to discuss the different parts and functions of a coconut and seed nut, recommend appropriate coconut varieties based on farmer needs, and recommend appropriate plantation management methods and practices.
Moreover, the participants were able to distinguish symptoms of common coconut pests and diseases, explain different methods of farm diversification, demonstrate proper harvesting and postharvest practices applied to coconut, and apply effective communication strategies through microteaching. They recognized economic variables that affect profits in the coconut value chain, described the environmental and personnel safety precautions to be observed along the coconut value chain, discussed the importance of farm clustering, assessed farms based on their Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) requirements, and crafted a doable re-entry plan.
The training was a success, and the participants had a lot to say about their experiences. For instance, Roxan Degamo of PCA said that the training equipped her with additional knowledge, and the facilitators were approachable and knowledgeable. Ella May Ejoc from LGU-Catigbian shared that the training was informative and could be a great help for all coconut farmers. She also appreciated the facilitators, the RP, and her co-participants. Jesson Tamundoc from Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative praised the TMT headed by Joemelyn Sumagang for the knowledge he gained from the training.
In conclusion, the Regional Coconut Specialist Training Course was a successful training that equipped participants with the knowledge, skills, and attitude to become resource persons on topics related to the coconut value-chain. The facilitators, RP, co-participants, training venue, accommodation, and food selection were all praiseworthy, and the participants expressed their gratitude to all those involved in organizing the training.
