CATARMAN, Northern Samar. – The Agricultural Training Institute - Regional Training Center 8, in compliance with the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), conducted another farmer-level training on GAP for Coconut Production and Management, fulfilling its mandate to conduct training for AEWs and farmers in collaboration with DA RFO 8 High Value Crop Development Program (HVCDP).
The farmer-level approach gives the participants a first-hand experience of the technology. Participants were divided into two groups; each group consisted of 15 and 16 members for the nursery establishment due to the availability of seednuts in the area. As part of their output, each group was tasked with establishing a coconut nursery containing at least 50 seednuts per bed.
Participants were back into three groups and planted two coconut seedlings in accordance with the proper layout as outlined in the Code of GAP for Coconut (PNS/BAFS 238:2018), weeded and fertilized two mature bearing coconut trees, and collected one soil sample per group.
By the end of the training, two participants from different associations have expressed their intent to apply their farms for GAP certification and accreditation.
Edgardo L. Pajarito, CIDOFSFA Association President, expressed, “This training has imparted to us some techniques to increase our farm income. We were encouraged to do intercropping to maximize the use of our farm lots. I’ve appreciated the farm planning activity wherein all aspects must be considered first before establishing a farm. Also, Good Agricultural Practices not only aim for a higher income, but it secure our food safety, produce quality, environmental protection, and workers' welfare. Thank you so much for this new learning, and may we have more training to attend soon.”
Consequently, Ansita G. Francisco-QUIDOFSFA Association President, shared, “Thank you so much for the opportunity that you all have given me to be part of this training. I really thought that the practices we have been doing were okay since we still have produce out of it, but I was wrong all along. The knowledge and skills imparted through this training won’t be put to waste. I will do my best to apply it in our farm and would probably share it with our co-farmers as well.”
A total of 31 participants completed the Training of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) on Coconut Production and Management Batch 7 (Farmer Level) on July 2-24, 2025 in Catarman, Northern Samar.
