The production of quality planting materials is essential in improving agricultural productivity and ensuring the sustainability of farming systems. In Eastern Visayas, the increasing promotion of high-value crops such as cacao, coffee, and various fruit trees resulted in a growing demand for reliable and high-quality seedlings. However, many farmers still rely on uncertified planting materials due to the limited number of nurseries that comply with the standards set by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI). This situation often leads to poor crop performance, increased incidence of pests and diseases, and reduced farm productivity.
During the Training of Trainers on Nursery Establishment for High-Value Crops (Cacao and Coffee) for BPI Accreditation conducted by the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center VIII (ATI-RTC 8) on August 11–15, 2025, which was attended by 17 agricultural extension workers and 17 farmer leaders, it was revealed that many farmers and potential nursery operators in the region still lack the technical knowledge and skills required to establish and manage nurseries that meet BPI accreditation requirements. It was also noted that there is a limited supply of quality planting materials for cacao and coffee, which have been identified as potential intercrops for coconut farms.
In response to these needs, ATI-RTC 8 identified the importance of training to enhance the knowledge and skills of farmers and prospective nursery operators in the region. This aimed to guide participants in establishing and managing nurseries that comply with BPI standards, ensuring the production of healthy, true-to-type, and disease-free planting materials. Through this initiative, farmers are better positioned to supply quality seedlings for localized production of planting materials, private buyers, and local agricultural enterprises, thereby improving market access and expanding livelihood opportunities while supporting the sustainable development of the high-value crops sector in Eastern Visayas.
During the practicum sessions, the participants effectively applied the concepts and techniques discussed during the lectures through hands-on activities such as pod breaking, soil bagging, seed sowing, and grafting. These activities enhanced their technical skills and strengthened their capability to implement proper nursery establishment and crop management practices.
Further, farmers learned the proper techniques in establishing and managing plant nurseries, including the production and maintenance of quality and healthy seedlings. They also gained knowledge on the basic requirements and standards for accreditation set by the Bureau of Plant Industry. Through the training, participants realized that producing quality planting materials is essential in improving crop productivity, increasing income opportunities, and promoting sustainable agriculture in their community.
Mr. Emman D. Gabriel Opeña, one of the participants, shared that he learned more about cacao nursery establishment and management of cacao seedling. He added, “I now know about BPI accreditation requirements, pest control and management, and proper grafting. I will share this knowledge with my peers. This training will not only help our environment but also our livelihood as well.
Consequently, Batch 2 graduate Ms. Lolita Y. Peña, expressed that the training has corrected her usual cacao farming practices. "Before, I would just randomly plant cacao seeds and they wouldn’t grow. It was only here that I realized I was doing it wrong because I planted them upside down—the roots ended up on top instead of underneath. I thought what emerged was a leaf, but it was actually the root. So I’m very thankful that we were taught the correct methods and practices to make our cacao trees productive. I’m grateful for this training because it didn’t only cover seed sowing but also grafting, which I can now apply using the knowledge I gained here", she said.
A total of 271 participants completed the nine batches of Training on Plant Nursery Establishment for Hig-Value Crops leading to BPI Accreditation from May 6-21, 2026 in Eastern Visayas. The last batch of this training will be held on May 27-29, 2026 in Guiuan, Eastern Samar.
The training program serves as a strategic investment in strengthening the capacity of plant nursery operators in the region. By promoting BPI-accredited nursery practices, it will contribute to the increased production of quality planting materials, improved farm productivity, enhanced market competitiveness, and the overall development and resilience of the agricultural sector in Eastern Visayas.(With reports from the Project Officers)
